Charles lloyd Martin

Charles Lloyd Martin, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away at his home in Watkinsville, Georgia at age 83 on July 12, 2025. He was predeceased by his parents,sister Theresa Gile and niece,Linda Acosta.

 Born in Lewistown, Montana, Charlie was the middle child of Lloyd Douglas Martin and Frances Maxine Singley Martin. He married Marilyn Shirley White in 1964 with whom he had made his life’s journey. He was 9-months-old when the family moved to Great Falls where his father was employed by the Ayrshire Dairy as a mechanic and later becoming manager of the milk plant. The family lived in a home on the dairy, a wonderful space in which to grow. 

Upon graduation from Great Falls High School, his academic odyssey began. Stops included Montana State University, Washington State University (DVM), University of Pennsylvania (internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery), The Ohio State University (MS with Ophthalmology Specialty), leading to a teaching role with the newly-established Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Charlie taught all systems in Small Animal Medicine at WCVM, while performing surgery for any animal having an eye. Following a brief stay at Kansas State University (1971-73), he returned to Saskatoon as a Professor.

 In 1977, he joined the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine as a professor.  After assuming multiple responsibilities within the college, he became Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in 1986. In 1995, he stepped away from that role and continued as a clinician until retirement in 2001. That retirement was a pause before lending a hand to Auburn University in maintaining their clinical ophthalmology service for a brief period. 

He was a Charter Member of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology serving as President (1981-82). In 2006, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine recognized him as Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus for Excellence in Teaching and Research. Additionally he was also a member of various fraternal , professional and social organizations, including SAE, Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Psi,Phi Zeta, Covenant Presbyterian (Athens), TORCH, UGA President”s Club, Athens Classic Automobiles, and Athens Wood Working Guild. 

He enjoyed woodworking, skiing, racquetball, gardening, being with family and friends, and travelling the world. Speaking engagements afforded him opportunities to build lifelong friendships with colleagues around the globe. He was a quiet man with a dry sense of humor, a fine teacher and mentor to countless colleagues, residents, and students—what good fortune to have been in his sphere. Charlie is survived by his wife of more than sixty years,Marilyn, daughter, Christena Hughes and husband, Jason, son, Stuart Martin and wife, Andrea, grandchildren, Maya Hughes,Rowan and Liam Martin,Mason Hughes ,brother, Douglas Martin, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Celebration of Life will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Athens, October 11, 2025 at 11am. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Sundown Surgery Fund or Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Endowment, UGA Foundation, PressPlace Suite 101, Athens, GA 30601 or https://gail.uga/charliemartin ,or a charity of choice.