Geary D. Martin

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Geary Denegre Martin on Saturday the 27th of August, 2022 at his beloved home near Melrose, FL. Geary was born in New Orleans on October 8th, 1937 to Mr. And Mrs. George Pratt Martin (Dorothy Geary). His childhood and school years were spent in Pensacola, FL. He thoroughly enjoyed these years and had a spirited and wonderful childhood. He graduated from Catholic High School in 1955, lettering in three varsity sports (football, basketball, and baseball), serving as class president his freshman and senior years, and winning a statewide mathematics award. He earned his B.S. degree at the University of Florida, where he was the Director of Recreation his senior year, served on the student body executive council, and was a member of Sigma Alpha Elision fraternity and Florida Blue Key. He remains forever a Gator. At UF he was a Distinguished Military Graduate and received his military commission in the US Army. He married Rodney Layton Bishop of Gainesville, FL in 1959 and thus began his military career. Fort Knox, KY was his first duty assignment, followed by his aviation training (fixed-wing and helicopter), at Fort Rucker, AL., where his two daughters were born. He served two tours in Vietnam as an aviator, earning awards and decorations that include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, the Defense Service Medal, 34 air medals (one for valor), the Army Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. He subsequently served two tours in Germany and earned a master’s degree in education from Boston University. He continued his military career at the Pentagon where he served on the Army Staff and the Joint Chiefs of Staff in plans, operations, and politico-military affairs. In his final military assignment, he was responsible for training assistance and evaluating Army Reserve and National Guard forces over South America. He retired from the military in 1989 with the rank of Colonel and began a new chapter in his life, working at Zay and Co. in Atlanta, GA. He retired from the private sector in 2001 and stayed as active as ever with his many hobbies that included running, cycling, racquetball and skiing. He also earned his boat captains license, and deeply loved Florida life. Geary treasured his family and friends above all, for whom he was a pillar of strength. He nourished all with his wonderful cooking and had a profound impact on everyone who knew him. Geary lived his life joyfully and with flair. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Rodney Bishop Martin, his two daughters Susan Avery Martin Bishop and Rodney Martin McHugh, his grandchildren Sophie Rae McHugh, Lt. Thomas Geary McHugh (Mariah), Mitchell Paul McHugh, Smith Bishop Holmes, great-grandson Judah Obadiah McHugh, and sister Linda Campbell (Ronnie). Services to be held at 11:00 am on Friday September 23 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Melrose FL. A lunch reception at the church hall will follow.

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