Paul Edward Martin CHARLOTTE - Paul Edward Martin, devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2016. Paul was born on January 17, 1948, in Bluefield, West Virginia and was proud of his West Virginia heritage. Paul received a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from West Virginia University in 1970 and began his 33 year career in the Federal government with the Federal Power Commission. In 1972 he transferred to the Department of the Interior's offshore oil and gas development program. During that time, he held several important positions, including: Senior Staff Engineer; South Atlantic District Regional Supervisor for Field Operations in St. Simon's Island, Georgia; Atlantic Regional Supervisor for Field Operations; Chief of the headquarters Resource Evaluation Division; and Chief of the Technology Assessment and Research Program. Paul retired in 2003 and moved with his wife to Fairhope, Alabama and then a few years later to Charlotte, North Carolina. Paul was a proud WVU alumni and thoroughly enjoyed watching his Mountaineers play football. He also enjoyed sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and the beautiful low country waters off St. Simons Island. Paul and Jill were able to cultivate their love of travel, enjoying other countries and cultures, as well as many places in the United States. He loved to cook, finding it both therapeutic and a way to extend his hospitality to friends and family. He provided many delicious meals over the years, including his "famous" Cajun dishes. Paul is survived by his wife of 32 years, Jill Stivers Martin of Charlotte, his son Patrick and his wife Jen, and his granddaughter, Victoria, of Fairfax, Virginia. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Ben Stivers and sister-in-law, Tracy Stivers of Raleigh, North Carolina. Paul often said that Ben and Tracy were not "in-laws," but truly brother and sister to him. Paul regularly volunteered at two organizations that he loved and made many friends there. Contributions can be made in Paul's name to either of these organizations: Loaves and Fishes (648 B Griffith Road, Charlotte, NC 28217) or Mitey Riders (455 Providence Road South, Weddington, NC 28173). A celebration of Paul's life will be held Saturday, January 14, 2017, at 1 PM at Church at Charlotte, located at the corner of Colony and Carmel roads.