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James Martin Obituary
He passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends. He was born Aug. 14, 1939, in Taylors Creek and was a 1957 graduate of Bradwell Institute.
He lived most of his life in Liberty County, a place so dear to his heart. Don was a retired rural letter carrier, serving as first district president of Georgia Rural Carriers Association and being awarded Most Outstanding Carrier of the Year for Georgia in 1965. He served on the State Executive Committee in 1969.
His high school athletic abilities and devotion to community sports earned him induction into the 2009 Liberty County Athletic Hall of Fame. Among those varied sporting endeavors, he coached recreation and high school athletic teams of football, basketball and baseball in both Liberty and Montgomery counties. He was intramural director for Brewton-Parker College, volunteer athletic director for Montgomery County and founding member and president of the Mount Vernon Athletic Officials' Association.
Don served as chairman of the March of Dimes Campaign for Montgomery County, was president of Harvey Overton Booster Club and served on state finance committee of Bo Ginn for Governor Campaign.
He was in his 18th year as sheriff of Liberty County and received numerous accolades including Sheriff of the Year 2001; a medal from the honorable order of Saint Michael, signed by Ronald Regan, 2001; inclusion in the 100,000 Club with special achievement award for outstanding fund raising efforts on behalf of Georgia Sheriffs' Association/Youth Homes, 2008; inclusion in the Top Ten Club, 2008; inclusion in the Police Officers' Association of Georgia where he had 100 percent participation of his department employees every year; Boss of the Year, 2002 in the Hinesville Officials' Association of Public Servants; and many certificates for his continued support of the Boy Scouts.
Sheriff Martin was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Hinesville, where he was a member of the Overton Men's Bible Class, previously served on the Administrative Board, was chairman of the ushers, and chairman of the cemetery trustees.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ruth Martin, and his brother, Bill Martin. He is survived by his wife, Polly; sons, Jimmy (Susan) Martin and Gill Martin; daughter, Kathy (Greg) Poole; stepchildren, Terri (Schel) Paulk of Guyton and Jody (Kristin) Underwood of Boston, Mass.; his cherished grandchildren, J. Don Martin III, Cole Martin, John David Moran, Lydia Moran and Robert Martin; brothers, Paul Martin of Stockbridge, George (Gail) Martin of Kalamazoo, Mich., Jerry (Nancy) Martin of Decatur; sister, Ann (Jim) Biles of Fayetteville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, May 29, at Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel, 308 W. Oglethorpe Hwy., Hinesville.
Funeral services celebrating the life of Sheriff Martin will be 3 p.m., Sunday, May 30, at Liberty County High School gymnasium followed by interment at The Hinesville Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be grandsons J. Don III and Cole Martin and John David Moran, nephews Audie and Andy Martin, Jay Biles and Glenn Martin and Jody Underwood. Honorary pallbearers are members of Overton Men's Bible Class and Liberty County Sheriff's Department.
The family requests any remembrances, in lieu of flowers, be donated in his name to Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes, Attention: Development Division, P.O. Box 1000, Stockbridge, GA 30281.
Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel, www.carteroglethorpe.com, has charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Martin
Linda Jones
June 7, 2010
Jimmy, Kathy, and Gil: My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this sad time. I loved Don Martin! May the memories sustain you during this difficult time. You were lucky to have him as your father!
MariaA Gregory
June 5, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Martin.
Aretha Hankerson
June 4, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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June 4, 2010
I have fond memories of Sheriff Don Martin. He will be missed
Adam, Della & Hailey Melton
June 3, 2010
Jimmy, Cathy & Gill, Your dad was a special man who took care of so many people in his life time. The three of you should be so proud to have him as your father as I know you are. Cherish the memories that you shared and know he is still watching over all of you.
Danny Rico
June 3, 2010
I didn't know Sheriff Martin all that well, but I did have the pleasure of meeting him while in line at the Hinesville (now called Heritage) bank. As a father to a then Savannah police officer, I told Mr. Martin how I felt about the stressful duties law enforcement personnel endure. I told him I would be voting for him in the next election and he thanked me for that. May you rest in peace Sheriff Martin and thank you for your service.
June 3, 2010
Kathy and family Project Reach G.A.N.G wishes to send you our deepest sympathy. Mr. Don Martin was a great supporter of this youth group. Our prayers are with you all.
Project Reach G.A.N.G. Inc. "God's Anointed Now Generation"
Lavonia LeCounte
Executive Director
michelle allen
June 3, 2010
may god bless you and your family at this time.
Lona Garrison
June 2, 2010
To Polly and family,
You have our deepest sympathy. Don's name is synonymous with Hinesville, and we know he will be greatly missed.
Steve and Lona Garrison
Michele Freeney-Washington
June 2, 2010
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Michelle Hillis-Heinzeroth
June 2, 2010
To the entire Martin family,
I was shocked to hear about the loss of Mr. Don. My late father and I, first met Mr. Don when we all worked together at the Hinesville Post Office. He made it so much fun to come to work each day. Mr. Don was a public servant who was always there for the people he served. Almost 4 years ago, when I lost both of my parents, Mr. Don cut both of their obituaries out, lamenated them and send them to me with a beautiful hand written note. I still cherish those today.
I hope that your wonderful memories of Mr. Don will help you as you go through the next days, weeks, months and years.
I am so very sorry for your loss. God bless all of you!
Keith & Kim Durrence Anderson
June 2, 2010
Kathy & Family: Our thoughts and prayers go out for you during this time.
Amanda Carter
June 2, 2010
Sheriff Martin was a very loved man. I am praying for the family as they mourn their loss.
Carey Creasy
June 2, 2010
Sheriff Martin was a great friend and former boss. I will miss him greatly. God bless the Martin family.
michael reed
June 2, 2010
he help so many god bless his love ones
James Sasser
June 2, 2010
We are all going to miss Don, but we can take comfort in knowing that there's a place in Heaven waiting for him
Pat, Amy, Briana and Beverly Bowen
June 1, 2010
We are so saddened by your loss. Know that your family remains in our prayers during your difficult days ahead. May God, through His love and grace give you peace.
Eugene T Dowd
June 1, 2010
Eugene T Dowd God bless his family . he was my frind,
June 1, 2010
Sheriff Martin was one of a kind and Liberty County will miss him greatly. My prayers are with his family ....
Jeff Whitten
Mike Wilkinson
June 1, 2010
Martin family,
Your Daddy will be greatly missed, may GOD comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Mike & Cyndi Wilkinson & family
Heather Graddy
June 1, 2010
Martin Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort during this trying time.
saundra goodrich
June 1, 2010
so sorry to hear of your loss. on behalf of the office of the mcintosh county clerk of superior court our prayers are with you and your family. we will be praying for you.
saundra "bootie" goodrich, clerk
June 1, 2010
Don, The Martin family of Walthourville miss you already. May God's blessing be with the family and please know that he is free from pain and suffering.
JIMMIE MARTIN
Matt and Jodi Woods
June 1, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. Don will be truly missed. He was a wonderful Sheriff and a great man.
Lynda Miness
May 31, 2010
To Don Martin Sr. family: Sorry to hear of Don passing. You will be in our prayers. May God bless you in your time of sorrow.
Shirley & Tony Maney
May 31, 2010
To Don Martin Sr. family: Polly, we are so sorry to hear about Don passing away. He was a good friend of ours for many years and he will be missed. May God bless you and the family.
Joey & Robin McCorkle
May 31, 2010
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Glenn and Julie Pearson
May 31, 2010
Thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you joy and comfort.
Libby Rice Clark
May 31, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Martin family. Don was a one-of-a-kind man. With my sincere sympathy....
Vickie Cook
May 31, 2010
My prayers are with you. Don was a great asset to our community and will be greatly missed.
Jacqueline Farmer
May 31, 2010
May the years that was cherish, the laugther, good times and the peace of God never be forgotten. May God bless the family, relatives, friends and community for this loss. May God continue to bless and keep the Martin family in his care always.
Joe/Wendy Richardson
May 30, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Kim & Derek Sills
May 30, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. We will miss him dearly.
TRICIA ARMSTRONG
May 30, 2010
Sorry to hear about your loss, Don was a good man. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you, Tricia Armstrong
Leah Poole
May 30, 2010
Our prayers are with you at this time.
Aaron Alvarado & Leah Poole
Lieutenant Lisa Morales
May 30, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Van&Ginny VanHouten
May 30, 2010
Don's family; We join with others in saying that we all have lost a wonderful man.May God bless you with wonderful memories.Van &Ginny VanHouten
Dick / Cheryl Peluso
May 30, 2010
We will miss Sheriff Martin. He was a credit to the community and was always a friend to everyone.
May 30, 2010
May God give you comfort as you say goodbye to your loved one. Please know that you remain in my thoughts and prayers
Becky Branch
Barbara Mingo-Doomes
May 30, 2010
"May God Bless the martin Family", Don, Rest In Peace, You will truly be missed!
Judy Shippey
May 30, 2010
My family and i thought so much of Don and all his family. He was a wonderful letter carrier, church member and friend.
Geraldine Harris
May 30, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
May 30, 2010
Our deepest sympathy to all of the Martin family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob & Joye (Bacon) Blyer
Canton, Ohio
Wes & Linda Crystal
May 30, 2010
Jimmy our condolences to you and you family...Wes and Linda Crystal
Deputy David Hicks
May 30, 2010
Our deepest sympathies to your family
Wallace & Sheila Strickland
May 30, 2010
You are in our thoughts & prayers. He will be dearly missed.
RAY TERRELL ROWE
May 30, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Adam & Christy Eller
May 30, 2010
You will be sadly missed by your family, friends and fellow officers. RIP Don and god bless. Trust in God and he will help the family through this. You have been a long time friend of the Eller family and will be missed.
Dustie Bell
May 30, 2010
Ms Polly,
My thoughts an prayers are with you an the family at the great sorrow in your life.. Mr. Don was a great an he will be surely missed..May God see ya through this trying time. With Heartfelt Sympathy, Dustie,Levi and Katilyn Bell
Glen Jenkinson
May 30, 2010
Back in the 1979, as new employee at the Hinesville Post Office, Don was always there to help in any way he could, that is the way he served Liberty County. He will be greatly missed.
Yancey Anderson and Family
May 30, 2010
Kathy and Family,
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Terrance James
May 30, 2010
To the family and all who's close to Our late Servant. My prayers our with You! G'D Is The Best of Planners, Our Sheriff! I say with pride, will be missed! G'D Knows Best!
Dottie Bourne List
May 30, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the family.
La'Toya Bacon
May 30, 2010
My prayers goes out to the Martin Family. Be Strong and continue to hold your head up. I'm going to miss you Mr. Martin!
May 29, 2010
May You Rest in Peace!!!!
Shonda M. Mickel
Sandra Hicks and Family
May 29, 2010
Our prayers are with you. "Only God can fill your void at this time ~~~ lean not to your own understanding..." Deepest condolensces from Felix L. Hicks as he says, "Don Martin, my buddy"! (son of Mattie M. Hicks and Bradley A. Hicks, Sr.) P.O Box 66 ... Hinesville, Georgia 31313
John & Maxine Cox
May 29, 2010
Kathy & Family
Our Prayers are with you and your family. God will carry you through this hard time.
Sheriff Martin will be truley missed at the court house.
John & Maxine Cox
CHARLES& LESLIE D'ONOFRIO
May 29, 2010
MAY GOD BLESS YOU & ALWAYS KEEP YOU SAFE. WILL BE
MISSES.
May 29, 2010
Not knowing Mr. Martin, only knowing his daughter (Terri) with that being said you can tell that he was a man of high character. I would like to send my regets and condolances to you and your family in a time of grief and sorrow. May God provide you with the comfort that your family needs at this time. My thoughts and prayers will go with your family in the days ahead. Harold Morgan (Guyton, Ga).
Donnie & Snuffy Smith
May 29, 2010
Don was a very good friend to us for many years. We will truly miss him.
Simon Hines III & Family
May 29, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Patti Crane
May 29, 2010
We will truly miss Sheriff Martin. He was a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Larry and Deloris Crane - Heath, Patti and Cale Crane
Mark Strickland
May 29, 2010
Gill I am so Sorry for your Family's lost,I Pray God gives all of your Family Peace in your lost.
Chris Mosley
May 29, 2010
To The Martin Family
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. May God keep all of you in his loving arms and help all of you through this sorrowful time. God Bless all of you
The staff of Chris's Auto Brokers,Inc.
Trimain and Onwar Brown
May 29, 2010
I'm so sorry for your lost Iand I pray that God continue to bless you in your time of need. Mr. Don Martin was kind enough to express his sympathy in our time of need so I think it's only fare to express mine. May God bless you
Don & Anne Wright
May 29, 2010
Polly & Family Members:
We have lost a great Sheriff and a wonderful friend...We know you have a lot of wonderful memories, as we all do. Hold them close to your heart and let them bring comfort to you...We pray that our Heavenly Father will hold you close to His side as you go through the sad days ahead...You have our deepest and heartfelt sympathy...
German Rodriguez
May 29, 2010
God Bless Rest in peace.
brenda tumlin
May 29, 2010
my self and all the waitresses and employees of western sizzlin will never forget mr. martin... he was a very great person and we all will miss him. our prayers go out to the family may he rest in peace. brenda tumlin
Pamela Turner
May 29, 2010
May God comfort the Martin family in the days to come. Sheriff Martin was a wonderful person. My late father,Troy Mason Hill, knew Sheriff Martin very well. May love and support from your family and friends comfort you. James and Pamela Hill Turner
Beuford Durrence
May 29, 2010
The Sheriff and I were very respectful of one another. He was a good man. My thoughts are with the family. Peace for him and rest for you. Warm memories of him for us and you all.
June (Ray) Torreso
May 29, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Shannon Mooney
May 29, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the Martin family and friends during this time.
The Sheriff will truly be missed by many.
Stephanie Jarriel Lewis
May 29, 2010
Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
betty whalen
May 29, 2010
God Bless your family on this day of sorrow and loss of an honorable man,may your memories make you smile and heal your heart at this sad hour.
Betty Whalen & Daughter Jennifer Barnes
Hinesville,Georgia
The Mathew Family
May 29, 2010
May God give you and your family comfort during this time of sorrow.
Larry Phillips
May 29, 2010
To Don's family:
Don was a mountain of a man in life. He dealt with the problems of man on a daily basis and he was fair in his dealings. Now he is a mountain of a man in Heaven. I hope to see him again there.
Andrew Donagi
May 29, 2010
Our thought and prayers go out to the Martin family in this time of despair. Don was a good man, loved by many. He will be deeply missed.
Warren & Patricia Waye
May 29, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Paul & Tina Rushing
May 29, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Teresa Manning
May 29, 2010
Mr. Don was a wonderful man and loved by many. He and my daddy were great friends and he will be truely missed.
Liberty County has lost a great man.
May 29, 2010
Sheriff Don Martin was the keeper of his flock ....whom consisted of all people of Liberty County......He was honest....humble....decent....and dependable...We will NEVER replace him and he will be greatly missed....We offer our deepest condolences to his family.
Will and Carol Darsey
Yvette Gonzalez-Smith
May 29, 2010
Our sympathys with the Martin Family. May you find comfort in the Almighty in this time of need.
Margie Kozma-Lufburrow
May 29, 2010
Polly and Martin family, I was deeply saddened by the passing of Don.He was a very dear friend.
David Fulton
May 29, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Gail & Eugene Jeffers
May 29, 2010
Polly and family, we were sadden to hear about Don. He was a special perosn and will be greatly missed. Our prayers will be with you all in the days and weeks to come.
Diane Parker (Derhammer)
May 29, 2010
Mrs. Polly (Ellis) may you and your family's hearts be filled with glorious memories of Sheriff Mr. Martin. He definitely made a great impact on many lifes as did you. I will always remember you Mrs. Poly as my 8th grade science teacher and your story of the many names you had growing up. May you be blessed with over flowing blessings.
Don T. Harbin
May 29, 2010
Don Martin became my friend in 1960. He remains my friend forever! May God's Loving Grace bring comfort where ever needed.
Joyce & Skip Martin
May 29, 2010
Our sympathys to the family of Don Martin. He was a very special person to Liberty County. He will be sadly missed
DIANE PRESTAGE
May 29, 2010
DON WAS A GOOD MAN. HE WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY. YOU ALL ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU.
ALLAN BRYANT
May 29, 2010
TO THE FAMILY OF DON MARTIN,
MY CONDOLENCES TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU. I KNOW YOU LOVED HIM DEEPLY AND WILL MISS HIM VERY MUCH, AS WILL I. NOT MANY PERSONS HAVE HAD SUCH A MEMORABLE NUMBER OF YEARS TO HAVE GROWN UP WITH DON; GONE TO SCHOOL, EXPERIENCED SPORTS AND ENJOYED MANY PERSONAL TIMES TOGETHER. THESE ARE LIFETIME TREASURED MOMENTS. MAY STRENGTH BE WITH YOU.
ALWAYS,
ALLAN BRYANT
Becky Barnett
May 29, 2010
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010
Kelly Cloyd Rouse
May 29, 2010
you will be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Martin family.
May 29, 2010
Dear Martin Family ~ Our deepest sympathy to you all. We all feel as though we have lost a family member as well. Don was a very caring and thoughtful man, that we all will miss. May God Bless you and guide you through this difficult time.
Ted and Gail Dean, Midway, Ga.
Donna&Fulton Love
May 29, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, A caring, dedicated, wonderful man will be sorely missed by all. Praying that those wonderful memories will soon take over the grief that you have in your hearts.
david towery
May 29, 2010
You will be dearly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers goto the family. Thank you for all you have done for me and my friends you have givin us many wonderful memories.
Walter Gilbert
May 29, 2010
He was a great person. We met him at a Boy Scout function. He is a very caring and understanding person. He will be missed.
Elke Krumnow Miller
May 29, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jo Ann Beam
May 29, 2010
My deepest sympathies to the family. May God keep you wrapped in love and wonderful memories.
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