Thomas V. "Buddy" Martin

Thomas V. “Buddy” Martin, age 87, of Hahira, Georgia, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, at South Georgia Medical Center. Born in Hahira on December 14, 1937, Buddy was the son of the late A.B. Martin and Elizabeth Ellis Martin.

A graduate of Hahira High School in the mid-1950s, Buddy embraced life with a spirited heart. After working various jobs and enjoying his youth, he answered the call to serve by joining the United States Air Force in the early 1960s. It was during this time in Barney, Georgia, that he met the love of his life, Barbara Taylor. They married in July 1961, and Barbara faithfully stood by his side throughout his Air Force career. After his service, Buddy began working as a mechanic at Weyerhaeuser, where he worked for 31 years while farming part-time. He retired in 2000 but continued to farm and care for his cows, passions that stayed with him throughout his life.

Buddy was a devoted family man who cherished his time with loved ones. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and enjoyed fishing, activities that brought him great joy.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Tommy and Teresa Martin of Hahira; grandchildren Amanda (Judson) Moore of Brooks County, Jamie Martin of Hahira, Jessica (Timothy) Barden of Cook County, and Tia (Adam) Zanghi of Shelbyville, Tennessee; eleven great-grandchildren; sisters Patricia Sadler (Russell) of Cook County and Kathryn Holm of Hahira; brother Hubert Martin (Geneva) of Conyers, Georgia; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved companion pet, Demi.

Buddy was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Martin; son, Timothy (Tim) Martin; two sisters; and a brother.

A funeral service to honor Buddy’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2025, in the chapel of Martin McLane Funeral Home, with Reverend Tommy Bussey officiating. Burial will follow at Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to visit with the family from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. prior to the service.

The family welcomes online condolences and memories shared on the obituary page at www.mclanecares.com.

Martin McLane Funeral Home of Hahira is entrusted with arrangements.