David Martin

Mr. David O'Neal Martin, 66, of Douglasville, Georgia died Thursday, October 11, 2018. He was born in Rome, Georgia, the son of the late Mr. David Rodney Martin and Mrs. Patty Peek Martin. He grew up in the Baptist faith, but has been a member at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Douglasville for 30 years.David was a devoted family man and was always ready to help his children, Joshua and Allison, whenever they called for his assistance. He never missed their sporting and academic events while they were in school. He recalled the time his toes almost broke off his feet watching a soccer match in freezing temperatures, but he stayed until the end. He was also a wonderful Pawpaw and could entertain his grandson Jack for hours. They were joined at the hip and that's the way David wanted it. During his teens, he worked at Peek’s Grocery, the family grocery store in Rockmart, and helped on his grandfather Jimmy Peek's farm. He would drive the truck and trailer at a very young age to gather hay from the field, but was very disappointed when told he was old enough to load those heavy bales of hay on the trailer. David was a graduate of Rockmart High School and was the Star Student for the class of 1970. He grew up learning to hunt with his father and grandfather and had a great respect for guns. He was proud of his collection and enjoyed talking about them with whoever would listen; mostly his son-in-law Caleb. He received his BBA degree in Accounting from The University of Georgia and loved to watch his Bulldogs play. He once went out on a porch to have a conversation with God when they were losing the game. He retired from the Department of Human Resources with the State of Georgia in 2007 with 34 years of service. He was on the Board of the Human Services Employees' Credit Union for over 20 years and was honored for that service. His retirement gift from Patricia was a shiny new John Deere tractor which he loved; almost as much as his wife. David recently returned from a 4500 mile trip out west with Patricia. He rebelled when first presented with the thought of this trip and leaving home for 3 weeks, but was thrilled to see bison and bighorn sheep in the wild. While watching a Wild West show in Wyoming, he came close to being hanged as a criminal, but was saved at the last minute by his loving wife. He had the time of his life. For many years, David has claimed to have an innate sense of direction. He made many road trips that had unintended destinations along the way. He saw many sights he would have missed and was very proud of that special skill. He was a NASCAR racing fan and enjoyed cheering on his favorite drivers on race days alongside Patricia. He loved to golf and was a member of the Paulding County Senior golf club. He had many laughs and numerous lost golf balls playing alongside his good friend Terry Landers. David was a well-loved man and will be greatly missed.In addition to his father, David was preceded in death by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Betty and Edwin Pawlowski and his brother-in-law, Gary Pawlowski.He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Patricia (Pat) Martin of Douglasville, Georgia; his son Joshua Martin and daughter-in-law Courtney of Villa Rica, Georgia; his daughter Allison Brown, son-in-law Caleb and grandson, Jack Robert of Vienna, Georgia; his mother, Patty Martin of Rockmart, Georgia; his sister, Kathy Martin of Marietta, Georgia; his brother-in-law, Curtis Pawlowski and Donis of Norman, Oklahoma; many aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.The family will receive friends at Jones-Wynn Funeral Home in Douglasville, Thursday, October 18, 2018 from 1:00PM until 3:00PM. Memorial Service will follow at 3:00PM from the Chapel of Jones-Wynn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a Hurricane Michael relief fund or to the charity of your choice.Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.jones-wynn.com. Jones-Wynn Funeral Home and Crematory of Douglasville in charge of arrangements. 770-942-2311.