Martin Luther Tinsley III

Martin Luther Tinsley, III of Ocoee and formerly of Cleveland passed away on November 21, 2025 at home.

He was born July 15, 1941 to M.L. and Eleanor Tinsley in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Luther grew up in Cleveland and was a graduate of Bradley Central High School, class of 1959. Luther is a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Ocoee, Tennessee. He was retired from the United States Navy, having served for 25 years and served on numerous ships and submarines as well as having served a tour of duty in Vietnam. While serving in the Navy he married his wife Janis in Charleston, SC on June 21, 1968. After retiring from the Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer he and Janis owned and operated Tinsley's Restaurant and Bar-B-Que in Benton, Tennessee.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, M.L. and Eleanor Tinsley and son, Michael D. Tinsley of Winder, Ga.

He is survived by his wife Janis of Ocoee, TN, three sons; Mark Tinsley (Amy) of Cleveland, TN, Martin Tinsley, IV (Melissa) of Ocoee, TN, Scott Tinsley (Alisha) of Cleveland, TN, grandchildren - Ashley, Nicole, Kristen, Michael, Rebecca, Cody, Emily, Katie, Zachary, Jacob, Bryce and Brody, great-grandchildren; Jason, Tyler, Jaxon, Grayson, Cooper, Forrest, Kaydn, Carson and sister, Denniese Medlin of Point Pleasant, NJ.

The celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 6:00pm at Shiloh Baptist Church with the Rev. Andy Sibley officiating. The family would like to welcome friends and family to visit prior to the service from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Interment will be held at a later date at Chattanooga National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to Shiloh Baptist Church, 3568 Hwy 64, Ocoee, TN 37361.