Martin Marty I. Mally

Martin I. Mally, 66, passed away Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Baptist Medical Center Beaches. He was born in Jacksonville, FL and attended local schools, graduating from the Bolles School in 1962 where he starred in both football and baseball. In his senior year, he was recognized as the Most Outstanding Player in the annual Strawberry Bowl. While he was a good athlete, he succeeded because he worked the hardest at being the best he could be. Marty was also an Eagle Scout and was inducted into the Boy Scout Order of the Arrow.

Marty served four years in the US Air Force and was proud of his service and of all who served. He remained active in veteran’s organizations throughout his life. After his Air Force service, he completed his college education at the University of North Texas and worked for many years leading a number of Ford Motor Credit organizations throughout the US including Jacksonville, New Orleans, and Dallas. He was a pioneer of the dealer-finance business model and introduced it to many area dealerships. He retired as Zone Sales Manager, Isuzu Motors after a very successful career in the finance industry.

He was an avid fisherman and loved to compete in local kingfish tournaments as the captain of his own boat, the Miss Pattie. He and his crew often won prizes in these competitions. Marty’s favorite fishing spot was in the Florida Keys. He and friends would travel several times a year to the Keys for this adventure. The stories that arose from these trips were legendary. He was a good Jaguars fan and went to many home games but his heart belonged to his Cowboys.

Many things can be said about Marty’s life. He used all of his abilities to achieve the goals he wanted for his family. If you were Marty’s friend you knew that he would give you any support he could if you were in need. He was fiercely loyal to his family and friends. Throughout his recent physical challenges, Marty always fought through them with determination. His strong will to persevere won every battle but the final one. Marty wanted each of you to know how important you were to his life.

Preceded in death by his parents, Earl & Marjorie Mally, he is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Pattie Mally; son, Travis Mally; daughter, Marta Mally; step-son, Chad Riley (Amanda); brother, Earl Mally, Jr. (Claudia); niece, Melissa Mally; grandchildren, Kamie Everitt (Keaven), Caden Stumpf, Ryan Hargett and Dylan Riley. A celebration of Marty’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21st in the Chapel of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL. For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made the Wounded Warriors Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

His family deeply appreciates the compassion and skill of the many health care givers from Baptist who cared for Marty throughout his recent challenges.