David Willis Martin

David Willis Martin, age 79, died 12/30/2006 at his home in Clarkesville, GA., surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis E. and Katherine McFeeley Martin, sister Dorothy Stoll Shelby, and first wife Carol Ann Strauss Martin. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Betty Lee Heisler Martin, Clarkesville; brother Stephen (Kathleen) Martin, Hillsborough, CA; seven children: Kathleen (Bob) Illick, Loveland, CO; Michael D. (Cathy) Martin, Ames, IA; Constance P. Gray, Clarkston, GA; Julie M. Perdue, Suwanee, GA; M. Laura Martin, Glasgow, Scotland; James W. (Mary Pat) Martin, Atlanta, GA; David L. (Jennifer) Martin, Ballground, GA; twelve grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. This kind, gentle loving man was born 9/19/1927 in Philadelphia, PA. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a PhD in Nuclear Physics and taught physics for 35 years at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA. In the early 1980's, Dave joined the Georgia Tech Flying Club to pursue a lifelong dream of learning to fly. Upon earning his pilot's license, he courted his precious Betty Lee in a Cessna 152 and fell madly in love with her. After a 1984 cross-country flight to visit his parents in Stuart, FL., they married in SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Decatur, GA, on March 24, 1985. Dave was an avid reader and lover of crossword puzzles, solitaire, and trivia. He meticulously repaired the family cars and anything else that was broken! Devoted to family and friends, he enjoyed long conversations and clever limericks. We will remember him for his constant smile, gentleness, acceptance, intelligence and generosity. His long flowing white hair and beard, beautiful blue eyes, and twinkling smile, caused him often to be mistaken for Santa Claus! He was a precious man, a gift to us all. He was the essence of unconditional love. Visitation will be held on Friday, 1/12/2007, 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, 245 Historic Hwy 441, Demorest, GA. The Mass of Resurrection will be held on Saturday, 1/13/2007, 1:00 p,m., St. Mark Catholic Church, 2510 Hwy 197 S, Clarkesville, GA. Interment will follow in Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Hwy 197 S, Clarkesville, GA. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Habersham Family Resource Cooperative (HFRC, Inc.), a non-profit organization that Dave helped found in 2003. Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, GA