Martin Michael Cruse El

Martin Michael Cruse, a Ramp Operations Supervisor of Envoy Air, died on the morning of November 6, 2022, just a few days short of his 43rd birthday. The son of Marva Carl Bradford and Michael Rowan Cruse, he was born on November 10, 1979 in Queens, New York. At an early age he moved to Birmingham, AL with his mother. A quiet and serious young man, he spent much of his time reading and researching the various topics that caught his interest.

He began to study Karate at World Oyama Karate in Homewood, AL under the tutelage of Saiko Shihan Oyama. Martin worked hard and in a few years earned his black belt in Kyokushin. He was the youngest student in the dojo to earn that rank. In 2003, after a break with Oyama Karate, Martin began to study with Grand Master Paul Calligan and Master Mustafa Ali of the Calligan Karate System, where he went on to earn the rank of Renshi, Black Belt 6th Dan, a rank given to the most dutiful teacher and student in the dojo. He was the only person in the dojo to earn that rank. Martin was a respected, honored and loved instructor and member of the dojo.

Martin was an artist. As a young child, he loved to draw very complicated mazes and sketch comics. He continued to sketch and paint into throughout high school, where one of his paintings won first place in a school competition and was hung in the school cafeteria. In the fifth grade he wrote a story titled “The Talking Roach”, which won first place in his class and earned him a trip to The Young Author’s Conference.

Ten years ago, Martin began to study Moorish Science. Two years ago he joined the Moorish Science Temple of Alabama under Grand Sheik Michael Smiley Bey. An active member, he worked with the temple’s food an clothing drives, as well as many other activities the temple led.

Martin is survived by his mother, Marva Myricks and her husband Raleigh Myricks, his uncles Carl Bradford, Edward Bradford Jr. and Charles Bradford Jr. and many cousins, his karate family, and his Moorish Temple family. As we say goodbye to this incredible young man we notice his life was filled with purpose, family, and community. Honestly, we all know Martin was not a senior citizen but he lived and incredibly full life as if he was.  We will miss your love, humor and your search for this great life that was cut short.  #weloveuforever

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