Vernon Edward "Buddy" Martin

Vernon Edward “Buddy” Martin, age 82, of Atlanta, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2015. Born on November 16, 1932, in Rabun County, he was a son of the late Marvin and Winnie Mae McEntire Martin. Mr. Martin was formerly employed with INGLE’S and was of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed fishing and hunting in his spare time. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Betty Phillips; brothers, Junior and Dan Martin; sisters, Betty Benefield, Gail Lovell and Dorothy Ayers. Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Sheri Phillips and Bruce Boughner of Auburn and Debbie and Lee Fowler of Bowling Green, Kentucky; son, Michael Martin of Houston, Texas; sisters, Kathleen “Kat” Nicholson of Clarkesville, Ruth Passmore of Hull and Pat Cash of Toccoa; grandchildren, Kymbalee Phillips, Brandon Fowler, Dustin Fowler, Cherise Fowler Earley, Cheyanne Fowler and Aaron Fowler; great grandchildren, Jareth, Leland, Paisley, Hunter, Noah, Anabelle, Eli, Miraleigh, Isabelle, Collin, Elliana and Julliet. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, January 18, 2015 at Hollywood Baptist Church with Rev. Kenneth McEntire officiating. Mr. Martin will lie in state from 2 pm until the service hour on Sunday at the church. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery with full military honors provided by the Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, American Legion Post #84, the Rabun County DAV Chapter 15 and the Georgia National Guard. The family will receive friends from 3-5 pm on Saturday at the funeral home. Flowers are accepted or donations may be made, in memory of Vernon Edward “Buddy” Martin, to City of Refuge, 1300 Joseph E. Boone Blvd., Atlanta, Georgia 30314. “The mission of City of Refuge is to bring light, hope and transformation to Atlanta’s last, lost and least.” An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.