Dr. Dennis Ray Martin, PhD

Dr. Dennis Ray Martin, PhD. of Bay City, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the age of 77 years. 

Dr. Dennis Ray Martin, PhD, "Doc" was born on March 10, 1949, the second of five children born to the late Glen R. and Alice Rosella (Spencer) Martin. He married the love of his life, his deepest love, Jacquelyn Ann Retlewski, on March 9, 1968; she survives him.

He leaves behind three beautiful daughters, Denise Regina (Kefah) Mohammad, Jennifer (Jason) Hammis, and Melissa Alice (Paul) Firth; a handsome son, Dennis Ray Martin, Jr.; several grandchildren: Dalia, Layla (Jihad) Dannawi, Sara, Nurideen, Nadia Mohammed, Vanessa, Stephanie, Madison Hammis; four great-grandchildren: Hamza, Sophia, and Jenna Dannawi, and Jayden Hammis; a sister, Barbara Kay (Herb) VanDeusen; and three brothers: Bradley Wayne (Judy) Martin, Lavern Glenn (Nancy) Martin, and Pastor Perry Lynn (Rhonda) Martin.

Dr. Martin's law enforcement career spans 37 years, beginning in 1973 working for the Genesee County Sheriff's Department. Between 1974-1994, he was employed with the Saginaw County Sheriff's Department. Dr. Martin then worked for Albee and Maple Grove Township Police serving from 1992-1993. Always looking for opportunities to service the community, from 1993 - 1994, he was employed with the Walden Police Department and with the Miami Police Department in Florida from 1995-1997. In 1996, President Bill Clinton Appointed him to serve in Washington D.C. on the National Task Force under Dr. Lee Brown, Drug Czar, Attorney Janet Reno, and Louis Freeh, FBI Director. He also served as the White House Special Task Force, studying Racial Inequality and Tensions within the criminal justice system. Dr. Martin was appointed as Vice President of The Center for Justice in conjunction with the Department of Justice from 1996-2016. Between the years 2016-2020, he served as the Training Coordinator for Crisis Intervention; retiring in 2021. 

Dr. Martin began his academic career after graduating from Bridgeport High School. He attended and graduated from Delta College (receiving three degrees) and became a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, as well as the National Collegiate Honors Council. He received his bachelor's degree from Ferris State University "Summa Cum Laude" in Criminal Justice/Forensic Science and was a member of the FSU Golden Key International Honors Society and Lambda Alpha Epsilon. He graduated with highest honors from Centeral Michigan University with a masters degree of Science in Administration and a member of the CMU Golden Key National Honor Society and the CMU Chapter of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Dr. Martin then went on to attend Walden University where he received a dual doctorate/PhD in forensic science and criminology and became a member of Walden University's National Society of Leadership and Success, The Gold Key International Society at Walden University, and became a certified forensic scientist and criminologist.  

Dr. Martin's contributions to society have been recognized at the highest levels including: organizing and educating Federal, State, and Local levels of corrections officers, founding the International Association of Correctional Officers, lobbying for Public Safety Officers Death Benefits Law, honored by the Board of Directors for the New National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial, was presented with an honorary Texas Ranger Commission Certificate by Texas Governor Whyte and Speaker of the House Jim Wright, the Michigan Legislature for outstanding contributions to the citizens of the Great State of Michigan, presented with both a Kentucky Colonel and the State of Missouri Colonel for his passage of the Death Benefits Law, and he delivered a speech "Violations of Diplomatic Immunity" at the United Nations Assembly in New York. 

Dr. Martin made multiple guest appearance  on Meet the Press with Roger Mudd, the Oprah Winfrey Show, CBS Evening News with Dan Rather, CBS and the NBC Today Show, and was interviewed on numerous criminal justice issues in newspapers across the country.

Dr. Martin owned and operated Denmar Corporation Inc., Berry Books Auto Enterprises, Inc., and Denlin Corporation. He civically served his community with numerous criminal justice and law enforcement organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, 32nd degree Master Mason (Shriners and Caravan Clubs), Past President and area Governor of Pine Knot 406 Toastmasters International, President Art Dore Boxing and Athletic Association, and Past Area Chairman Marine Corps. Toys for Tots. 

Bay County Executive, Jim Barcia, officially declared April 14, 2026, "Dr. Dennis Ray Martin Day in Bay County." Bay County extends it's heartfelt congratulations to the family for Dr. Martin's remarkable achievements and expresses their gratitude for his life long lasting contribution to the community. 

The Janazah Prayer/Funeral Service will take place following the second call to prayer at 1:45 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2026, at the Islamic Center of Saginaw, 4300 N. Center Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603. Imam Musab Abdallah will lead the prayers. Burial will follow at Floral Gardens Cemetery, 2215 Cass Ave., Bay City, MI 48708. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the Islamic Center of Saginaw or through www.casefuneralhome.com.