Emory Madison Martin

Emory Madison Martin, age 75, of Cumming, passed away Sunday, October 2, 2011 with his family at his side. Born June 3, 1936 to the late Rena and Florene Martin, he was a native of Forsyth County and became a life-long resident in the Coal Mountain community. He was a member at Coal Mountain Baptist Church.

Emory was a farmer and a fixture in Coal Mountain for over fifty years. As a young man, he served as a reserve for the National Guard and built several dams and water control structures throughout the county with the Soil Conservation Service. By the late 1950's, he was farming full time and was recognized as the county's Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1960. He was a pioneer in the poultry industry in the 1960's and 70's, establishing one of the very first caged laying operations in this area, which revolutionized egg production. His farm and those that followed saw production increase from dozens of eggs per day to thousands of dozens per day, providing a new way to meet an ever increasing demand. By the time he retired in 1995, he had produced over 200 million eggs.

He will be remembered as a faithful husband, a loving father, and a trusted friend with a balance of wit and wisdom. He will be remembered not only for the example he provided in life, but also that he provided in death, as he faced a difficult battle with tremendous courage and, even on the most difficult days, with a smile. And we know that he is smiling still.

He is survived by his wife Ruth Nell Martin of 56 years, his daughter Heidi Beckman and son-in-law Witt Beckman of Cumming, his son Andy Martin and daughter-in-law Bonnie Martin of Cumming, his five grandchildren, Winter Random, Drew Martin, Luke Martin, Jake Martin, and Josh Martin, and one great grandchild, Liam Random; sister, Rounette Kirby and brother-in-law G.W. Kirby of Cumming. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and by one daughter, Kristi Martin.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, October 5th, at 2:00 P.M. at the Ingram Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Joe Hulsey, and Rev. Pete Martin officiating. Interment will follow in Sawnee View Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Ingram Funeral Home Tuesday from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M., and on Wednesday from 12:00 P.M. until the time of service

Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be made at www.ingramfuneralhome.com.