Lonie William Martin

Mr. Lonie William Martin, age 91 of Toccoa, GA, went to his heavenly home on February 8, 2023. He passed away at his longtime Ayers Drive residence and is now rejoined with his late wife of 66 years, Pansy Martin. 

A son of the late D.A. and Maybell Martin, Lonie was born on January 15, 1932, in Franklin County, Ga but lived most of his life in Toccoa. He was a Veteran and served as a lifelong member of St. James United Methodist Church. 

Mr. Martin was a man of incredible strength and loyalty with a streak of stubbornness. He had a 30-plus year career at WABCO but his real passion was farming. If you couldn’t find him on the front porch, odds are… Lonie was on the farm tending to his cattle, riding a tractor, or planting the season’s latest crop. He enjoyed a plate of homemade biscuits and gravy, fresh sausage patties, and a strong pot of black coffee before heading out to do it all over again the next day… sun up to sun down. If you didn’t know Mr. Martin as a farmer, chances are you shook hands with the family businessman. His farming was nothing compared to his strong negotiation skills which always put him on the right side of the table. 

He is survived by his three children: Sheila Martin Patterson and husband Rex Patterson, Harlan Martin and wife Shereeta Martin, Minda Martin Swenson and husband Chad Swenson; six grandchildren, Chip Patterson and wife Eleanor Patterson, Meg Patterson Ferdos and husband Mark Ferdos, Kirby Patterson, Hanna Martin, Lauren Swenson, and Davis Swenson; eight great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Martin and Jessie Martin; caretaker and dear friend of six years, Susie Adams. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Haskell Martin and Frank Martin.

Even though Mr. Martin’s red truck is now parked and coveralls left hanging, you can still find little bits and pieces of Lonie interwoven in his family: Sheila's sharp memory, Harlan’s hard work, and Minda’s bright blue eyes. Close friends can even enjoy the vegetables still growing on his vines for years to come. 

But now he’s rejoined with his wife, Pansy… the person he’s missed most since saying goodbye six years ago. Their reunion is sweet… in their La-Z-Boy chairs, watching the Braves while arguing over the remote. 

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 13, 2023, at 2 p.m. in the Hillcrest Chapel of the Acree-Davis Funeral Home with The Reverend Jerrell Beatty and The Reverend David Ritcey officiating.  The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Davis Swenson, Ryen Martin, Jackson Scott, Jess Pitts, Tim Cash, Michael Jarrett, and Willie Adams. Honorary pallbearers include Frank Pitts and Chris Eby.

The family will receive friends at the Acree-Davis Funeral Home on Monday from 12 pm until the service time. Online condolences can be made at www.acree-davisfh.com.

Flowers are optional. Memorials may be made to Prospect United Methodist Cemetery Fund, 5064 Prospect Road, Toccoa, GA 30577 in memory of Mr. Lonie William Martin.

Interment will follow in Stephens Memorial Gardens with Military Honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and the V.F.W. Post 4346 Honor Guard.

Acree Davis Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Lonie William Martin.