Mr. Joseph Edward Martin, Sr.

Evans Funeral Home of Jefferson announces the death of Mr. Joseph Edward Martin, Sr., age 86 of Jefferson, Georgia who entered eternal life Wednesday, September 10, 2025.  Mr. Martin was born in Henry County, Virginia to the late Robert E. Martin, Sr. and the late Ruth Elaine Charlton Martin.  In 1956, after graduating high school, he enlisted in the Navy.  He was sent to Bainbridge, Maryland, where he completed bootcamp.  He was then sent to Hospital Corp School where he served as an Orthopedic Specialist, in the Navy, Marines and in the Army.  He was sent to various locations including Okinawa, Mt. Fugi, and Camp Coowe.  

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his three brothers, Robert E. Martin Jr., Richard E. Martin, and David E. Martin and three sisters, Patricia E. Hall, Nancy E. Lunsford, and Joan Ort.  Survived by his loving wife of sixty three years, Elizabeth (Betty) Grubbs Martin.  Three sons, Joseph E. Martin, Jr., Ralph M. Martin and wife Stacie, Kenneth R. Martin and wife Karyn, and daughter, Tammy M. LaMar and husband Michael.  Eight grandchildren, Joseph E. Martin III, and wife Emily, Patrick C. Martin and wife Courtney, Thomas W. Martin, and fiancé Kristin P. Cates, Sophia E. LaMar, Sarah E. LaMar, Matthew D. Martin, and fiance’ Payton L. Cox, Michael M. LaMar, and Sally Anne LaMar.  Two great grandchildren, Charles A. Martin and Emma K. Martin.  Siblings, Joe Taylor Martin and Cathy Taylor Cloyd and sister-in-laws, Linda Martin and Tracy Martin.

Joe Sr. founded a medical/surgical supply business (The Instrument House) in 1970, and retired in 2005. The business is still being run by the family.  Joe very much enjoyed vacations to St. George Island every year with his family.  He enjoyed playing golf, eating oysters, walking on the beach, and taking trips to the mountains with his family and friends.  Joe also enjoyed watching Jefferson football, and any sport his grandchildren were involved in.

A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, September 15, 2025 at St. Catherine LaBoure’, 180 Elrod Road, Jefferson, Georgia with Father Timothy Gallagher officiating.  Gentlemen honored as pallbearers are Mikael E. LaMar, Joseph E. Martin III, Patrick C. Martin, Thomas W. Martin, Matthew D. Martin and Michael M. LaMar.  Billy Attaway a beloved friend, will serve as an honory pallbearer.  The family will receive friends Sunday, September 14, 2025, 4:00 – 6:00 with a Rosary Service held at 6:00 at Evans Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Mr. Joseph Edward Martin, Sr. to St. Catherine Laboure’ at www.stcatherinelabourega.org or to the Hospice of Northeast Georgia at www.nghs.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia.  706-367-5467

Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com

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