GOD saw that the road was getting rough, the hills were hard to climb, so He gently closed his beautiful eyes, and whispered Ted, Peace Be Thine. The weary hours of days of pain and the sleepless nights are passed. The ever worn out frame has found sweet rest at last. God saw that Ted was tired, so he did what he knew best, He came and stood beside him and whispered, come and take your rest. Theodore Martin, Mr. Ted, was born on April 13, 1934 in Savannah, Georgia to the Late Daniel and Maggie Martin. His formal education was received in Savannah-Chatham County, Georgia where he graduated in 1955 from Beach High School. Upon graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served for two years. After retiring from the U.S. Army, he joined the State of Washingtons Army National Guard. He was honorably discharged in 1960 but reenlisted and continued to serve until the 1980s. He made history in 1972 when he was promoted and became the states 1st black First Sergeant. He was employed by the United States Postal Service for 34 years until his retirement in 1990. While employed by the postal service he received numerous commendations and awards for suggestions he made to make the department better. After retiring from the Guard and the Post Office, he moved back to Georgia (Lithonia) in 1993. His three priorities when he returned to Georgia were to Register to Vote, Join the YMCA, and Get a gun permit. With a desire to always help senior citizens, he soon joined the senior water class at the East Lake Family YMCA and eventually became the instructor for the class until his health started to fail. The enrollment in the senior water aerobics class tripled under his instruction. Many seniors thanked him for the exercise class and the role he played in helping to improve their overall health. He voluntarily taught the class three days per week for two hours per day. Because of the countless hours he dedicated to the organization and its mission, he was recognized as Volunteer of the Year for the Southeast YMCA in 2005. EVERYONE loved Mr. Ted and he loved everyone. He was a big guy with a BIG HEART. He was adopted my many of his neighbors who affectionately called him dad and granddad. He was ALWAYS there to lend a helping hand. He impacted the lives of many and made life-long friends. His welcoming smile could turn a sad face into a happy one, and a bad attitude into a cheerful one. Quietly and sweetly, the Lord called our beloved companion, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, cousin, and friend home to eternal rest on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 where he was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Ernestine Sweet Bridgewater (sister), Otto Martin (brother), Pauline Martin (sister). He leaves to mourn his passing Miriam Mann (Loving Friend) Atlanta, Georgia; two sons, Theodore Martin, Jr.(Jacqueline) - Seattle, Washington and Timothy Martin - Seattle, Washington; Natasha Martin (granddaughter) Seattle, Washington; sister Betty Stone (Henry) - Savannah, Georgia; Ila Bruce and Mildred Bruce (aunts) Savannah, Georgia; Virginia Williams (special cousin) -Sylvania, Georgia; Cortez Thomas, Lionel Falstal, and Vincent Priester, Roger Solomon, and Michael Hicks (dear friends); and a host of other cousins, nieces, nephews, many other relatives, and sorrowing friends.
Grissom-Clark Funeral Home 227 East Lake Dr., SE Atlanta, GA 30317. 404-373-3191. www.grissom-clarkfh.com
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