Gary Martin

Gary A Martin (64) of Fruitdale, Alabama passed away Sunday, November 25, 2018, at Forrest General Hospital. Funeral services will be at Freeman Funeral Home in Waynesboro, Mississippi. A viewing will be held Thursday from 6pm to 8pm followed by a celebration of life service on Friday at 11am. Brother Eddie Bryant will officiate the service.

Gary is survived by his wife, Wanda, their daughter, Jaica Thomas (Ben, Nathan, Ava) his father and mother in law, Wayne and Sue Henderson, his sister in law Paula Rogers (Wayne, Matt, Zach) his mother, Elva Welborn, sister Rubye Mouton (Charlie, Ashley, Kristi) his brothers, Farris Martin and Hursel Garza (Betty) and his girls June Kittrell, Jennifer Kittrell, Sissy Carr, Leshia Ratcliff, Jaime Welch, Crystal Bates, and Hope Marshall, as well as numerous other family members, friends, and loved ones.

Gary was born in Alexandria, LA to Aubrey Martin and Elva Welborn. A Veteran of the Vietnam War, Gary continued to travel internationally by spending 40+ years in the oilfield. He enjoyed working and retired only a few years ago due to health circumstances. In 1983, Gary married the love of his life, Wanda Henderson. In 1986, the joy of his life, his daughter Jaica, was born. Gary was an avid beachgoer and enjoyed LSU and Saints football, movies, music, and cars. In recent years, Gary spent most of his time adoring and doting over his grandchildren, Nathan and Ava, and loved socializing with family and friends.

Gary was the most selfless, giving soul anyone could meet. His family knew him only as a kind, mild mannered, always giving, and loving man. He opened his heart and his home to several international students through a foreign exchange program.

A special thank you to Dr. Martin Lester, University of South Alabama Medical Center, Dr. Robbie Robbins, Forrest General Hospital, and Bedford Care Center for their loving care and support over the last 5 months.