Joseph Donald Martin

Mr. Joseph Donald Martin, age 78, of Dahlonega, GA died Saturday, January 17, 2015 at his residence. Mr. Martin was born in Dahlonega to the late Edgar and Martha Sayne Martin. He was a United States Army veteran. He was maintenance director of Gold City Nursing Home, Lakeshore Heights Nursing Home and Oaks of Limestone. Mr. Martin previously worked at Cornell Forge in Chicago, IL, a sheriff deputy of Lumpkin County and Cantrell's Pallet Company in Dahlonega. He also enjoyed panning for gold. In addition to his parents, Mr. Martin was preceded in death by his brothers, Dorsey Martin and Doyle Martin.
Mr. Martin is survived by his wife, Emma Louise Kesler Martin of Dahlonega; children, Nikki Goldman of Dahlonega, Rachel Cook of Savannah, Guerry Jeanne Cook of Winston Salem, NC, Dawn Rittenhouse of Virgina Beach, VA, Debra Bryan of Alaska and Donna Young of Blarisville; sisters, Donna Lera Rathbone of Dahlonega and Drusilla Kendall of Marietta; and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 3 PM, Tuesday, January 20 at Antioch United Methodist Church with Rev. Danny Park officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday night from 6 to 8 PM.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of arrangements.