Send flowers to this funeral

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Dr. John M. "Pepper" Martin, 88, entered into rest Monday, November 14, 2005 at his residence. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Elsie Harrison Martin. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 17, 2005 at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Greg DeLoach, Dr. Rodger Murchison, along with grandson, Rev. Tripp Martin officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the rotunda of the church. Dr. Martin was a native of Adairsville, Ga., but grew up in Perry, Ga. the son of the late Williard W. and Ida Adella Martin. He graduated from Gordon Military College, Mercer University and received his M.D. from the Medical College of Georgia in 1943. He completed a residency in Internal Medicine at University Hospital. He served in the United States Army from 1944-1947. Besides his private practice in Internal Medicine, he was also an assistant clinical professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia for many years where he trained and mentored many upcoming physicians. For the past 25 years, he has also served as the Medical Director for University Home Health Services. He was past president of the Richmond County Medical Society, Past Chairman of the Georgia State Board of Health, Board Trustee of Mercer University, Director of the Walter Sheppard Blood Bank, Director of the Metropolitan State Bank, member and frequent chairman of the day at the Beech Island Agricultural Club and member of Boy Scout Leadership to name a few. He has received numerous awards through the years to include: Georgia Medical Association, Civic Endeavor Award, 1981; Meritorious Service Award from Mercer University, 1969; President's Golden Certificate from Optimist Club, 1978. He will be remembered by his friends and family as a dedicated physician in the true sense of the word, devoted father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Survivors include two daughters, Madeline Bowen and husband, Dudley, Dianne Harper and husband, Jay; one son, Milton Martin and wife, Kathy; seven grandchildren, Laura Bowen, Maury Rothschild, Amy Fritchman, Anne Harper, Tripp Martin, T.J. Martin and Schell Davis; four great-grandchildren, Graham and Eleanor Rothschild, Asa and Eli Fritchman. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Crusaders Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church, members of the Beech Island Agricultural Club and members of the Richmond County Medical Society. Memorials may be made to the Beech Island Agricultural Fund, c/o A.J. Whinghter, 1510 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, SC 29841, or to the First Baptist Church Youth Building Renovations Fund, 3500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30919. Platt's Funeral Home, 721 Crawford Ave., Augusta, GA, 733-3636. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com

The Augusta Chronicle November 16, 2005