Mr. Clyde Martin of Lansing , Michigan passed on March 15th in Orlando, Florida.

Clyde Martin III was born on February 12, 1986, to Audrey C. Taylor and Clyde Martin Jr. in Chicago, Illinois. As a child he enjoyed trumping cousins in a friendly game of Uno, attending church and traveling with his mom. He attended St Thomas Catholic Elementary School where he began to play for Chicagoland Pop Warner Football. His passion for the gridiron only grew as he got older. While attending De La Salle High School, he played for the football team the "Meteors". He also honed his defensive skills while on the wrestling team. As a senior, his dreams of playing for a division one school were realized as the offers from various colleges and universities rolled in. He decided to play for Michigan State University, receiving a football scholarship, entering the freshmen class of 2004 as a linebacker for the great green and white.

After the first season he hung up his jersey in search of a deeper connection in serving his community and leading his peers. He found such a connection in his journey into the Delta Kappa Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Clyde's commitment to his chapter, brothers and community was unwavering. He was the ace of his line. The "Notorious 1" crossed the burning sands October 9, 2008. At Michigan State, Clyde was a member of Black Caucus and the President of Emmons Hall from 2004-2006. He hosted community building events working closely with RHA. While on campus, Clyde's infectious spirit and joyous aura touched many and made the journey to commencement that much more enjoyable. It gave him great joy to make another smile or laugh. His gift of spreading cheer and happiness was rare and used to make the light in others' lives a bit better. Upon graduation from MSU in December 2012, he seriously contemplated his next steps in life and how he could use his talents to affect change.

An unfortunate car accident opened the door to the next chapter of his life, marriage. He met the love of his life, Nicky Parks-Martin, in June 2010. They wed on March 12, 2016. During their relationship they shared a lifetime of laughs, jokes and love that some only dream about. During his wedding ceremony, Clyde spoke about Nicky changing his life for the better. But it was he who made her world brighter by showing her a rare part of life where one can love while being one's authentic self without judgement or limitation.

Clyde leaves to cherish his warm hearted memories, his wife, Domenique "Nicky" Parks-Martin, his father, Clyde Martin Jr, his grandfather, Clyde Martin Sr., grandmother, Doretha Martin, one sister, Samantha Martin, one brother, Cameron Martin. His mother Audrey C. Taylor and his brother, Lemont Thomas preceded him in death. He leaves us with memories of good times and great fun. But he also leaves us with a memory of a spirit who lacked fear. While being kindhearted and jovial, he was unmistakably fearless with a lion's heart. He loved to chase down the impossible and make it surrender. He walked right up to what he desired and did the work to achieve all that he envisioned. His energy, perseverance and tenacity for what he was passionate about could only be matched in a superpower. One can assume that he earned a seat at the eternal victor's table amongst greats. Through this time of sorrow and remembrance, may Clyde inspire us to examine our own dreams and line up to the starting line to run them down during our short time on earth.