John H. Martin, age 94, of Loganville, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Abbey Hospice.

John was born on September 25, 1931, in Dutton to Charles “Dock” Martin and Mary Lou Martin. He was raised alongside his four brothers, Granville “Martin,” Joe, Bobby, and Louie, and his six sisters, Ilamae, Bonnie, Irene, Marie, Aliene, and Ruby. As the son of sharecroppers on Sand Mountain in Alabama, John learned the value of hard work at an early age, laboring in the fields with his parents and siblings. That upbringing later continued in Mayo, Florida, where the demanding farm life helped shape the strong work ethic he carried throughout his life and passed down to his children.

John met the love of his life, Rheta McAllister, in Jacksonville. The two were married on April 19, 1955, and recently celebrated seventy-one wonderful years together in their home in Loganville, Georgia. Together they built a loving family and shared a lifetime of devotion, perseverance, and cherished memories.

John and Rheta were blessed with four children: Gary (Ermine), Rusty (Jayne), Cyndi Scheie (Scott), and Tommy (Tina). He was a proud grandfather to Crystal (Jason), Mike (Vanessa), David, Dusty (Shanna), Casey (Olga), Jesse (Mary), Trevor (Lauren), Tyler (Kelly), Drew (Cortney), Taylor Watkins (Brad), and Tinsley. He was also blessed with eighteen great-grandchildren: Riley, Addison, Bria, Shaylee, Judah, Evie, Xander, Natalie, Anna, River, Everett, Brock, Gage, Haylen, Jackson, Jasper, Ethan, and Asher, along with many beloved extended family members and friends.

John devoted his life to serving both his country and his family. After leaving home, he dedicated himself to two careers that reflected his strength, discipline, and determination. He proudly served in the United States Army as a combat infantryman during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. During his military service, he earned numerous honors, including two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. John was deeply proud of his country and of his military service.

Following his time in the Army, John spent many years as a long-haul truck driver across the Southeast. He built an extraordinary career with Ryder/Pie Truck Lines and was recognized for driving more than four million accident-free miles. Those who knew John often joked that his forearms resembled Popeye’s, a testament to the countless years he spent steering trucks long before power steering existed. Even at 94 years old, his remarkable strength remained evident.

While John was known as a hardworking and tough man, he also possessed a warm sense of humor and genuinely enjoyed people. Growing up in a large family and on a farm provided no shortage of opportunities for mischief and storytelling, something he carried with him throughout life. He never met a stranger and was always ready with a laugh, a story, or a conversation.

John enjoyed country music and loved listening to classic storytellers such as Jerry Clower. In his later years, he surprisingly developed a love for rock music, often turning it up loud while driving around town in his beloved restored 1966 black Chevrolet stepside pickup truck, a vehicle he proudly brought back to life in the late 1980s.

John was what many would call a “man’s man” — hardworking, patriotic, resilient, strong, and deeply devoted to his family. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, humor, and unconditional love that will continue through generations. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A graveside service honoring John’s life will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Georgia National Cemetery. The funeral procession, led by the Patriot Guard Riders, will depart from the funeral home at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in John’s name to the Abbey House Foundation in support of Abbey Hospice.

Abbey House Foundation P.O. Box 68 Social Circle, GA 30025

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. John H. Martin.