Gary Dee Martin, age 80, of Canton, GA, passed away on April 9, 2026, surrounded by his family.

He was born January 30, 1946, in Battle Creek, MI. He graduated from Athens High School, MI, attended Kellogg Community College, and graduated with honors from Ferris State College earning a B.S. in Surveying. During this time, he met his wife, Sharon (Meyer) Martin and they were married August 18, 1967.

Gary honorably served for 4 years in the United States Navy during the Vietnam conflict.

After taking his licensing exam and became a Registered Licensed Surveyor, he established his own firm, Martin Land Surveying, in Worthington, MN, then later moved to the Atlanta area and reestablished his company as Martin Survey Associates, Inc. in Holly Springs, GA, with offices in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, TX. With progressive expansion, he became licensed in 18 states. He often told us, and others, how greatly blessed by God he was to be able to spend his life doing something he absolutely loved.

His relationship with his Loving Savior was paramount in his life. Faith, family, and career were his priorities, and next was a passion for fishing, fast cars, and traveling to fun destinations with family. His fishing excursions included trips with family and friends to MI, Colorado, Idaho, and 20 years to Montana with 'the guys'. All who knew him would say he had the 'gift of gab' and could find common ground with everyone he met.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ovid and Francis (Lovin) Martin; a brother, Arnold Martin; and a stepbrother, Stanley Moore. He is survived by his wife, Sharon of 58 years; his sister, Annette Bornor; his children Carrie (Chris) Durden, Maureen (Stephen) Camp; grandchildren, Chandler (Kayla) Durden, Elliott Martin Durden, Chayce Durden, Alexis Boling, Anna Camp, Luke Camp, and Sam Camp; great granddaughter, Riley Durden. He was a father and grandfather figure, as well as a mentor to many others that were dear to his heart.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 2:30pm with his family receiving friends starting at 1:30pm at Lakeside Funeral Home

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to https://samaritanspurse.org or Global Water Fund | World Vision