Herbert Leon Martin Jr.

On May 7, 2016, Herbert Leon Martin Jr. went to be with the Lord and was reunited with his beloved Dot. His death was peaceful and merciful. Leon was beloved by all that knew him. He was the perfect example of a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Leon was a good man, faithful to God his entire life. His simple and unshakeable faith inspired his family and all those he encountered.

With the exception of the brief time he was stationed in Korea, Leon lived his entire life in Marietta. His parents Herbert and Sally Martin moved to the family home on Moon St. with Leon when he was six months old. He was a 1948 graduate of Marietta High School, playing football at Northcutt Stadium and achieving great acclaim as a local baseball star. When his parents died years later, Leon and Dot bought the family home and continued to make it the center of life and love for their extended family. Their home was full of love, laughter, and large meals served to family and those in need.

His life was remarkable in the best way. He did not travel the world and did not achieve great fame. But for those people the Lord brought across his path, however, he was a hero and a paragon of goodness and faithfulness. In all of his years, he adored one woman. He was born on December 5, 1930 and as an infant he was brought to Maple Ave. Methodist Church and he never left, attending virtually every Sunday for 85 years. He sang faithfully in the choir for over 60 years. He worked at Norfolk Southern Railroad for over 40 years, followed by a second career as a court bailiff. In his retirement he gloriously loved his grandchildren, providing carpools, adventures, ice cream and, above all, unconditional love. He was unfailing and consistent in making sure that his three precious daughters always knew that he loved them and appreciated them. He was certain to make sure that his sons-in-law knew that he considered them as his own sons.

He also loved several things greatly: the UGA Bulldogs, the Braves, hot dogs and ice cream. These last two passions led him to find the love of his life as she served the returning veteran at Hunt’s Ice Cream. All who encountered him would agree that he was above all a Godly man – one of simple and fervent faith, full of goodness and loyalty, who loved gently and unconditionally. To God be the glory. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy, and his son-in-law Bruce Moates, he is survived by his daughters Lisa (David) Darden, Melanie (Owen) Prillaman and Jennifer Moates, and his brothers Michael (Pam) Martin and Jennings (LaJohn) Patterson, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Donations may be made to Maple Ave. Methodist Church, 63 Maple Ave. Marietta GA 30064.

Leon will be interred at Kennesaw Memorial Park at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday with a Service following at 4:00 p.m. at Maple Avenue United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta on Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

www.mayeswarddobbins.com

770-428-1511

Burial arrangements under the direction of Kennesaw Memorial Park.