Wayne Lawrence Martin's Obituary
Wayne Lawrence Martin, age 73 of Gainesville, passed away at his home on Sunday, January 7, 2018. Wayne was born September 8, 1944 in Cullman, Alabama. He spent his childhood in Homestead, Florida graduating from South Dade High School. He moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida. While in Gainesville, he met his wife Kay, a Gainesville native. They married after he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. After graduation he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy. He served as a pilot flying a P3-Orion with squadron VP-17 (the Rat Pack) based in Hawaii with deployments to Japan and the Philippines. Shortly after leaving the Navy with the rank of Lieutenant, he began working at Alachua County Abstract Company eventually becoming President. He retired in 2009 after a distinguished career of almost 40 years at the Abstract Company (First American Title). He also founded Colson Title which served the community from 2006 - 2016. Wayne was always committed and active in his church, serving as a deacon at Campus Church and an elder at Emmanuel Mennonite Church. He was active in the community as a Cub Scout Leader, a former member of the Rotary of Gainesville and a lifetime blood donor donating almost 20 gallons. He was a dedicated husband, son, father and grandfather. He enjoyed many hobbies including woodworking, gardening and stained-glass work. He was very handy and always willing to help others and share his skills.
He was preceded in death by his parents Walker and Essielene Osborne Martin; two infant sons; daughter, Mary Katherine Martin; granddaughter, Jailyn Mabrey; and brothers, Gary and Roger Martin. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kay Martin; children, Ryan Martin (Melani) and daughter Savannah; Eric Martin (Lisa) and children Korbin, Leif, Mirabella, and Nikolai; Megan Martin and children Rayna, Terrell, Dallas, Seth Tyson, and Makenna; and children of Mary: Shawnarik and his daughter Al’aijah, Antonio, Sy’tonia, and Caleb; brother, Larry Martin and sister, Carole Ebersole.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with the viewing beginning at 10:00 a.m., at Campus Church, 2720 SW 2nd Avenue. Services will be officiated by Jim Brunson, Elder - Campus Church, and Eve MacMaster, Pastor - Emmanuel Mennonite Church. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.
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