George D. "Coach" Martin Jr.

George D. "Coach" Martin Jr, beloved husband, dad, granddad, great granddad peacefully passed away, at home, Wednesday July 24th 2024, at the age of 93. George was born in Columbia SC, May 16th, 1931, son of the late George "Buddy" Martin Sr and Martha Schaffer Martin.

He attended Olympia High School, graduated from the University of SC and went on to earn a Masters Degree at South Carolina State University. He began his career as a teacher and coach at Olympia High School, and ended his long teaching, coaching and mentoring career as the principal of Olympia High School.

George was always active in the community and supported all athletics. He was a member of the Olympia Masonic Lodge, Eastover Ruritans, Richland County Cattleman's Association, Richland County Farm Bureau. He was also a board member on the Richland County Parks and Recreation Commission. George was a USC Football Letterman (1952-1954). These are a few of his many lifelong accomplishments.

George was predeceased by his parents, George "Buddy" Martin Sr and Martha Schaffer Martin, both of Columbia, wife Thelma Matthews Martin of Georgetown SC, his son LTC George D. "Marty" Martin III, and brother, William "Bill" Martin.

He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Martin, his grandson, Ty Russell (Veronica), granddaughters, Jessica Martin Jacobs (Taylor), Katie Martin (Chris) and his daughter in law, Susan Hayes Martin. He has 6 great grandchildren, Grant and Ava Russell, Hayes and Harrison Jacobs, and Fallyn and Finlay Fanning, and many nieces and nephews.

George loved teaching, mentoring and most of all, farming at his Moonlight Farm in Hopkins SC. He was a lifelong active member of St. Luke Lutheran Church.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 29, 2024 at St. Luke Lutheran Church, with burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. Pallbearers are Robert McCaw, Charles McCaw, Bob Davis, Mike Huffstetler, Jimmy Hilliard and Mike Privitte.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church in Olympia SC.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com