Gary Reid Martin Sr.

Gary Reid Martin, Sr., 79, of Gibsonville, NC, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

A native of Guilford County, Gary was the beloved husband of Debbie Martin for 46 years, who survives, and the son of the late David Reid Martin and Ollie Frazier Martin. He retired from the automotive industry, where he worked as a mechanic, painter, and body man. Gary was known for his strong work ethic and the deep pride he took in providing for his family and being a dependable friend to many. With gifted hands, he could fix just about anything. His faith in Christ was quiet but steady, and it carried him through life's joys and trials.

Gary loved the mountains and found peace in their beauty. From the time he was young, he had a love for adventure - even letting his daughter drive to Wildwood long before she was anywhere close to the legal driving age. He especially enjoyed visiting flea markets, where he delighted in buying, selling, and trading just about anything he could find. If he spotted something shiny in the road, he wasn't above stopping - or even turning around - just to see what kind of treasure it might be. An avid coin collector, he had a particular fondness for pennies and treasured the simple discoveries they brought. He also loved collecting arrowheads, always keeping an eye out for pieces of history hidden in the dirt.

Summer weekends often meant heading to Danbury with a truckload of kids for a day of floating and tubing down the river. Those trips created lasting memories for his children and grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. Coaching soccer may not have been his greatest talent, but he showed up wholeheartedly - because he knew he was building memories with his kids, and he was all in. At home, he brought just as much excitement, lifting the grandkids high on the tire swing, raising it above his head and sending them soaring with laughter.

Gary never met a stranger. He loved hard and played hard. It wasn't unusual to find him at Joann's Restaurant early in the morning grabbing breakfast before work, or spending time at Frank's Grocery visiting with the fellas. He enjoyed getting his hair cut at Ellusions, never missing the chance to sit, chat, and laugh with the ladies.

He loved all creatures - from cats to birds - and wouldn't hesitate to chase down anyone he thought might harm one. His compassion for animals was just another reflection of his big heart. One of his greatest joys was dancing - especially twirling Debbie around the dance floor.

When he wasn't at the flea market, floating down the river, caring for his cats, or twirling Debbie around the dance floor, he loved traveling to Florida to visit his daughter and spend time with friends.

In addition to his wife, Debbie Martin, survivors include three children: Michelle Dawn Smith (Steve), Gary Reid Martin, Jr.(Amanda), and Samantha Anne Martin (Mark); nine grandchildren: Mitchell Dale Payne, Gelin Smith, Johnathan Smith, Cody Duncan (Tori), Kimberly Duncan, Connor Hiatt, Aidan Hiatt, Kaylee Hiatt and Mackenzie Martin; one great-grandchild Hylia Normichella Payne; and Son-In-Law Darrell Pilcher. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Tiffany Anne Martin; a grandchild, Christopher Martin; three brothers; and two sisters.

A memorial service will be conducted at Hope River Church 4355 High Rock Rd Gibsonville, NC, on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1:00pm Reverend Kelly Goudy will preside over the funeral service. A time of fellowship with the family will take place immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Gary, you will be missed. You are free from pain and are now at peace. We can only imagine you've already found the smoking section - probably telling stories and making new friends. Gary, go rest on your mountain - you deserve it.