Leilani I am so sorry for your Loss. GOD has gained another Angel. I know the love you two had and it will never end! Hugs and prayers. I so want to be there Wednesday but hubby is working that day and unfortunately I don’t have a way to get there and I am over by Gainesville now. Miss you!!

I feel these words are a description of a great man, husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated peacemaker with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. The words below paint the portrait of the man I know as Allen "Al" Martin or "Dude" as we would greet each other.

“That man is a success – who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much, who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children, who has filled his niche and accomplished his task. who leaves the world better than he found it, who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it, who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.” ~ Unknown Author

We tend to search for ways to understand why our world becomes silent. We look for a way to be lifted in the words of those who came before us. How appropriate are those words when they are left behind as an Unknown Author? Every quote is a memory that was left behind and for generations will keep the author alive in the hearts and minds of the world. These are gifts to each of us to remember the author of those words. The quote above is noted to be one of those left by an unknown author. There are too many brothers and sisters in this world today who don't know the Author of Life! Al reminded me during one of our many fishing trips, that even questioning God is acknowledging God, so don't be fearful to know him, open your heart to him, and let him give you the same wisdom he gave me through Al the author. Through Al's simple words, I came to understand that even God has survived a great loss but he knew how the next chapter was going to be written when his only Son, Jesus Christ, was dying for each of us.

To honor Al, could everyone reading this just stop or slow down for a minute and remember as with ALL words spoken, no words would be spoken without our Author, God! 

Do you have to see the wind to know it is windy?

Dad, Mom and Rickie - FOP 4th of July Celebration.

For those that know and love him we know he gave everyone his ALL! He stood watch and protected our community up to the day he was called home. 55 and more years he compassionately with unwavering faith served us all along side his bothers and sisters of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. We ALL love our Big Al, he has given us his everything and now must rest. For those that have a story, please share it here for our family. We Love YOU Al, we got it from here, rest up and watch over us from above.

"In the face of events that threaten to overwhelm our lives, storytelling gives us a way of reclaiming ourselves and reaffirming our connections with other people; those who listen to our stories and, by doing so, bear witness with us." ~ Victoria Alexander

The need to tell is both a need to tell oneself and a need to be heard; Telling and being heard are the first steps toward reconnection.  Yet, first you must listen lend a heart and ear!

OBITUARY

Allen Dean Martin

February 29, 1948 – December 7, 2023

Hardage - Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services