George William Martin

George William Martin, 93, of Gautier, MS passed away peacefully June 17, 2020 at home surrounded by his family. 

George was born June 5, 1927 in Minneapolis MN to William and Emma Hafstad Martin.  The family then moved to the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota where he was raised on the family farm.  He finished 8th grade at the age of 12 and left home to attend high school in Rolette ND, 35 miles away.  He graduated HS in 1944 at 16 and attended University of N Dakota for one year before enlisting in the US Navy. Fifteen months later, WWII ended, he was discharged and returned to UND where he graduated in in 1950 with a BS in Electrical Engineering.

While at UND, he met the love of his life Patricia Rickey who he later married.  Most of George’s career was spent with Westinghouse nuclear power divisions which he retired from in 1986.

George found his calling in retirement where he devoted thousands of hours supporting the Pascagoula Adult Literacy Program, Habitat for Humanity, AARP Tax Preparation for the Elderly, various church mission trips and his most visible display of community service, Gautier Pride - the project to beautify the city.  Many of us have seen him picking up litter around Gautier for many years. The Gautier City Park was renamed for George in 2012 in recognition of his long and faithful dedication to the city of Gautier.

 He also enjoyed traveling and participating in Senior Olympics where he won 44 Gold, 35 Silver, and 7 Bronze medals.

George was a kind, gentle, civic minded gentleman who always put others first.  He will be missed by not only his family but also the community of Gautier.

Predeceased by his wife Patricia (Just Ducky Quack Quack) Rickey Martin, Grandson Jared S. Lippe, brother Larry R Martin and sisters Emily Martin and Ellen Jane Leuenberger.   

He is survived by his children – Rich (Cathy) Martin of Napa, CA., Bill (Terri) Martin of Gautier, MS., Callie (Ray) Laurent of Milford, MI, Lisa (Frank Darden) Walker of Denham Springs, LA and Tara “T-Bird”  (Mark) Lippe of Wade, MS.    Also survived by 14 Grand Children and 7 Great Grand Children.

A visitation for senior citizens and immune compromised will be Saturday, June 20, 2020 at Gautier O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home from 10-11 am,  for general public 11-12 with service to follow at noon in the chapel with Rev. James Salter officiating.  Private inurnment with military honors will beheld at Biloxi National Cemetery at a later date.  The service will be live-streamed via Facebook .

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity or literacy Council in memory of George. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.obryantokeefe.com.  

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