Robert Harrison "Bob" Martin

Robert Harrison “Bob” Martin, born on July 12, 1961, passed away peacefully at his home in Gainesville, GA, on January 3, 2025. He was 63 years old.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Ursula Thurman Martin, his sister Debbie (Scooter) McClure, mother-in-law Pat Thurman, sister-in-law Tammy (Tim) Martinez, nephews Chase (Keeley) Selby, Adam (Quincey) McClure, Wyatt Martinez, Logan Martinez, Mason Martinez and Tyson Martinez. He was a devoted friend, uncle, and husband whose quiet strength and enduring kindness left a lasting impact on those who knew him.

A brilliant and creative mind, Bob was the holder of multiple patents, embodying his remarkable problem-solving skills and intellectual curiosity. Despite his reserved nature, his contributions spoke volumes and earned him respect in both his professional and personal circles.

Bob enjoyed a unique and productive career. He first worked at the Tennessee Valley Authority in the early 1980s, recovering trace uranium found in 40% foam process acid. He then pivoted to research and development for Carroll Company where he developed a full line of aerosol products from scratch.  After seven years, Bob accepted a job as Process Engineer and Radiation Safety Officer with Radiation Sterilizers where he was once again handling radioactive isotopes. Ultimately, Bob settled on working with aerosols and spent the rest of his career in that field. Bob worked through positions of increasing responsibility at several aerosol manufacturing companies (ABC Compounding, Amrep, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, and Piedmont Laboratories) before finding his home at ITW Pro Brands as Plant Manager in 2000. While there, he drove process efficiency and led a successful team of maintenance and production personnel. Bob’s curious mind eventually found its way back to research and development, investigating ways of making plastic aerosol components metal detectable to prevent food recalls from plastic contamination. His work in this area was instrumental in the development of metal and X-ray detectable caps, actuators, and extension tubes for food grade aerosol products. He later developed a metal-detectable scrubbing pad for the food industry. Bob is named on seven US patents and a number of international patents for his work in this area. Bob retired from ITW Pro Brands in December 2023 but continued to serve as a consultant until his passing.

Bob had a deep love for animals and found joy in their companionship, reflecting his gentle and caring spirit. He enjoyed feeding and watching his heard of deer in the back yard and playing fetch with his poodles. He is preceded in death by his toucan Sam, poodle Bailey and his beloved macaw, Big Bird. He leaves behind his macaw of 30 years, Milton, poodles Tucker and Remmington, and cats Baxter, Gracie, Cooper and Ellie.

Music was another passion of his life. He was an accomplished trombone player and, in his 40s, embraced the challenge of learning the piano, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to growth and exploration.

Bob's memory will be treasured by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. In honor of his love for animals, the family requests that donations be made to a local animal shelter or rescue in lieu of flowers.

A celebration of Bob’s life where family and friends will gather to share memories and honor his legacy will be held Saturday January 18th at 2:00. Memorial Park Funeral Home 2030 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville Georgia.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Rd., Gainesville, Ga. 30504 is in charge of the arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com