Arthur Floyd Martin

Arthur “Floyd” Martin, 92, of Americus, Georgia peacefully passed away Tuesday March 17, 2026, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Hospital surrounded by loved ones. 

He was born on June 17, 1933, in Big Spring, Texas. The youngest son of Robert Floyd Martin and Ruby Ballew Martin, Floyd was always adored by his family. Robert’s life valiantly ended in an oil refinery explosion when Floyd was only five years old. The pain he endured at a young age molded him into a stubborn, resilient, and determined soul. While trying out for football in 1947, he suffered a major injury to his leg. Some doctors wanted to amputate his leg. Thankfully, his family took him to specialists that administered several weeks of painstaking treatment. When he was released, Floyd was ultimately told that he would never run again. He responded by telling them he was going to be a tri-sport athlete – football, basketball, and baseball! Three months later, he tried out for the baseball team and made it as a pitcher. This tenacity remained in Floyd throughout his life. He graduated from Big Spring High School in 1950. For the next five years, Floyd enjoyed playing semi-professional baseball on several West Texas teams while also attending Howard County Junior College. He then advanced his education by earning a Business Degree from North Texas State University in 1956.

In 1960, serendipity brought Floyd and his high school crush/former classmate, Diana, now widowed with 3 young children, to the same sidewalk in Big Spring, Texas. He married Diana Farquhar Nelson later that same year on November 18, 1960. They were happily married until Diana’s passing on August 27, 1989. Floyd, Diana, and their six children lived in Texas, California, and Oregon before settling in Americus. They became ardent members of First Methodist Church where Floyd thoroughly enjoyed teaching Sunday School for the Epworth Class.

Floyd was a career businessman who later retired after respectably devoting thirty years to Cooper Lighting. Beyond church and work, Floyd remained active and competitive throughout his life. Floyd was an avid golfer, and he loved any opportunity to play golf, tennis, church league softball, fish, or bird hunt for dove and quail. Floyd was endlessly proud to be a loving Dad to his six children and a beloved “Grandpa” or “Opa” to his twelve grandchildren. In everything he did, he was humble and honorable. He will be greatly missed.

Floyd is preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife of twenty-eight years, a loving brother Robert “Pepper” Martin, sister Joyce Martin Tidwell, and son- in-law Andy Nessamar. He is survived by four sons and two daughters: Tracy Martin Palmer (Eddie), Arthur Floyd Martin, II (Polly), Kevin Duke Martin (Sharon), Debbie Martin Nessamar, Russell Alan Martin, Barry Douglas Martin. He leaves behind twelve grandchildren: Erin Brown (Chris), Kelsey Martin (Sam Woodward), Amy Nessamar, Jake Nessamar, Benjamin Martin (Maranda), Cassie Martin (Justin Minich), Callie Broderick (Kevin), Rylee Knight (Adrian), Baylee Taylor (Andy), Emily Graves (Devin), Madison Lawhorn (Michael), Conlan Martin (Reagan), and 13 great grandchildren.

Funeral services are planned for 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at First Methodist Church with Rev. Daryl Brown officiating.

The following gentleman have been called to serve as active pallbearers: Benjamin Martin, Conlan Martin, Jake Nessamar, Adrian Knight, Andy Taylor, Justin Minich, Kevin Broderick, Devin Graves, Michael Lawhorn, Chris Brown, Sam Woodward.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to be made to First Methodist Church 200 S. Lee St. Americus, Georgia 31709 or Phoebe Sumter Hospice Care 126 E. Furlow St. Americus, Georgia 31709.

To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences to the family, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com

Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for Mr. Arthur Floyd Martin.