Martin Lasley Obituary

"Preacher" Martin Eugene (Gene) Lasley

February 25, 2025

"Preacher" Martin Eugene (Gene) Lasley passed from this life into the loving arms of Jesus on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 92 years old. He was born in Soddy-Daisy, TN, to the late John Martin & Pearl Lasley who raised him in the old-time religion. He is survived by his sister, Barbara Hutchens. He was preceded in death by his brother, Rev. Don Lasley and three sisters: Vivian Lasley, Antoinette Lasley, and Betty Lasley.

Dr. Lasley married Ellen Lasley in 1960, and together they had three children: Laurie (Joel) Long of Williamsport, PA; Torrey Lasley of Knoxville, TN; and Calvin (Candace) Lasley of Knoxville, TN. Grandchildren are Sarah Long of Chicago, IL; Maria Long of Williamsport, PA; Joshua Long of Pensacola, FL; Kerrianne (Sgt. Andrew) Rolle of Fort Cavazos, TX; and Kaleb Lasley of Sandy, UT. Great-grandchildren are Xander, Victoria, and Gwynnevere Rolle of Fort Cavazos, TX.

Dr. Lasley graduated from Soddy-Daisy High School where he was captain of the football team. He subsequently attended Jones County Junior College where he was inducted into 2017 Hall of Fame and Southern Mississippi University on an offensive guard football scholarship. During his junior year at SMU, he surrendered to preach the gospel and transferred to Bob Jones University in Greeneville, SC. He graduated from BJU with a BA in 1954 and an MA in Christian Education in 1956. He also attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft Worth, TX. He received an honorary doctorate from BJU in 1976.

Dr. Lasley loved his beagles and Walker foxhounds and relished his hunting excursions with them and his hunting buddies. The hours they spent in the woods kicking up rabbits to chase provided many happy memories. He also enjoyed watching the UT Vols play football.

After serving in Youth for Christ (1957-1963), Dr. Lasley was called to Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church, Gray, TN, where he ministered as pastor 46 years until 2009. Until his passing, he remained as BRBC's pastor emeritus and served as long as his strength allowed. He loved and served the people of BRBC and all his Christian brothers and sisters in the Tri-Cities and around the world. He was privileged to serve on numerous mission trips in Brazil, Ukraine, Belarus, Thailand, Russia, Canada, and India. It was Dr. Lasley's privilege to be a preacher of the gospel for over 60 years and a servant of the "King of Kings," his loving Savior, Jesus Christ.

Receiving of friends will be at Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church, 197 Suncrest St, Gray, TN, on Wednesday, March 5, 4-7 pm (family will be present 5-7 pm) with service to follow officiated by Pastor John Herdman. Graveside service will be Thursday, March 6, 10 am at Washington County Memory Gardens, 113 Memory Gardens Dr, Johnson City, TN. The deacons of Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church will serve as pall bearers.

Sharing the gospel with those around the world was one of Dr. Lasley's greatest passions; therefore, in lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Mission Fund of Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church, PO Box 8247, Gray, TN 37615.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralservices.com

Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Lasley family (423-610-7171).