Dwane A. Martin

Dwane Aubrey Martin, 87, most recently of Canton, GA, passed away Friday morning, January 3, 2025 following a difficult year of health and heart challenges. A service to celebrate Dwane’s remarkable life will take place at 4:00pm Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at the Darby Funeral Home in Canton, GA with a time of visitation for family and friends prior to the service from 2:00pm-4:00pm. An interment service will be conducted the following Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 11:00am at the National Cemetery in Canton, GA. An honorary motorcade procession will assemble at the funeral home that morning at 9:45am. Rev. Jim Mason will honor the family by officiating at the services. Dwane was born on October 14,1937, the only child of Thomas Kimsey Martin and Euna Phillips Martin. The local doctor, his mother’s half-brother, delivered Dwane at home in unincorporated South Forsyth County. Growing up, Dwane learned his lessons well from his father, and school-teacher mother. In fact, he started school at 4years old, tagging along to class with his mother—what else would a teacher’s child do? By 16, he had graduated from Cumming HS, and, most importantly, had met the love of his life, Betty Ann Burnette at Union Hill Baptist Church. After completing his studies at Southern Tech, and working for a very brief time in Florida (much too far away from Betty!) the two were married at Union Hill on October 19, 1957. Dwane started working for AT&T that same year, eventually retiring with over 32 years of service to that company. Service was indeed a hallmark of Dwane’s life. He served his country in the Air Force, holding the rank of Staff Sargeant upon his honorary discharge. Initially in the reserves, Dwane was activated during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Dwane served his family as a devoted son and son-in-law, loving husband, and generous father. Dwane and Betty moved to Sandy Springs in 1960, and lived there until 2007, raising their daughter and son, and welcoming five grandchildren. Doing what was best for his family was always Dwane’s motivation. Rather than accept a transfer, he chose to stay in Atlanta and keep his family close to their extended family. He’d leave for work extra early in order to be back home in time for practices or games, concerts or awards night---wherever Kimberly or Todd were involved. Whether coaching Kimberly in softball, or supporting Todd in the North Springs HS Marching Band, cheering loudly was Dwane’s trademark. The grandchildren could pick out his voice above all others at their sporting events, and could count on seeing Papa in the audience at their varied activities. Papa was the ringmaster of many fun days at the mountain house in Hiawassee. The grandchildren would pile into the skirted innertube that was intended for pulling behind a boat; instead, they would speed down the grass-covered hillside in front of the house and Papa would pull the tube back up by the ski rope for the next turn. Time and time again, Papa proved an exceptional playmate! Most importantly to him, Dwane faithfully served his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, throughout his life. Ordained as a deacon at Union Hill, he taught Sunday School, served in Baptist Brotherhood, and even made a joyful noise in the church choir. He continued serving wherever he and Betty were members—Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and finally Woodstock where the two of them would arrive so early to Sunday School, they’d often have to wait for the lights to be turned on! Preceded in death by his parents, Euna and T.K. Martin, and his adored wife of 66+years, Betty Burnette Martin, Dwane is survived by his two children; daughter, Kimberly Martin Coleburn (Mark) of Marietta, and son, Todd A. Martin (Annsley) of Woodstock. Five blessed grandchildren call him ‘Papa’; Will (Audre), Graham, Hayden, Ragan and Aubrey. Surviving sisters-in-law Jean Collett and Pearl Bivins, and brother-in-law Jerry Burnett (Linda); nieces and nephews Burt, Mitchell, Connie, Macy, Tim, and Leshia all remember him fondly. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Woodstock to further the kingdom work that Dwane invested in so passionately. The Service will be live-streamed at: https://vimeo.com/event/4831805

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Dwane A. Martin

October 14, 1937 - January 3, 2025