Brian Ronald Martin Sr. 73, of Athens, GA passed away suddenly on Monday, September 18th, 2017. Although sudden, it wasn't entirely unexpected because he was in end stage renal failure for some time. If you knew Brian, you knew he did not want a fuss or anything fancy to mark his passing. He was excited for the next stage in his journey and had many interesting theories about what happens next. He did his absolute best to prepare his friends and family for this moment.
Brian was born in Chicago, IL on August 29th, 1944 to William and Dorothy (Coffee) Martin.
Things to know about Brian:
1. He ferociously loved his family
2. He was a Master Machinist, who put in 25 years at the Upjohn company before retiring.
3. He was a Trekkie
4. He was generous with whatever resources were at his disposal
5. He liked the heat A LOT
6. He never let anybody “step on his neck”
7. He loved politics
8. He loved laughing, eating, and living-and all that goes with it!
9. He was reflective, accountable and able to teach lessons in the most unique ways imaginable.
10. Even though he considered himself a “dinosaur”, he was a life-long learner and never closed his mind to new ideas and concepts.
He is survived by his children, Brian Ronald Martin Jr. his wife Bonita and their children Jourdan and Joshua Brian, Cheryl Martin and her son Quintin Martin, and their Mother, Melba Martin. Also surviving, Tahisha Sherman and her husband Rich and their children Kamayla and Kaleb Jay, and Tarin Marie Tripp (whom he trusted implicitly) her husband Luke and their children Acadia and Ailani and their Mother, Jeanne Martin.
Also surviving are his brother William Frank Martin Jr. (Billy) whom he regarded as his best friend. He taught all his children the meaning what it means to be a sibling though his ride or die relationship with his brother Billy. He is also survived by his siblings Eugene Brown, Yvette Davis, Hazel Lancaster, Kathy Martin, Shelia Davis, and Dorothea Mitchell. He is also survived by uncles, nephews, nieces and many, many friends whom he loved and cherished like family.
Cremation has taken place and a life celebration will be held on Saturday, September 30th at 2:00pm at Tugaloo State Park- Pavilion #4 located at 1763 Tugaloo State Park Rd. in Lavonia Georgia. Please bring a dish to pass, a chair to sit in, and your favorite story about Brian.
Finally, Brian often told the story of how he had to recite this poem to be able to graduate from high school. He never forgot it, and would recite it when it was needed, and that has made all the difference.
The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could.
To where it bent in the undergrowth,
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.
-Robert Frost

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