William Kenneth Martin

On Thursday October 24, William Kenneth Martin passed away peacefully with his wife at his side at Cypress Pond Senior Care in Tifton. He was 85. 

 Born January 13, 1939 in Hickman County, Kentucky, "Kenneth" was one of four children born on the family farm. The Martins worked the farm together and Kenneth developed an interest in vocational agriculture, winning a Young Farmer's award through the FFA. He attended the University of Kentucky to study agriculture with an interest in teaching, but once at UK he developed an interest in agricultural research. During graduate school at UK, "Kenny" married Margo Carter of Owensboro, KY, beginning a wonderful and joy-filled partnership of 62 years.  

After earning his Master's Degree and while serving in the Army Reserves, "Ken" was hired by Pioneer Hi-Bred International to open the company's first research station in the Deep South. He moved to Tifton, GA and started the research station in 1965. He spent 34 years with Pioneer, and was highly instrumental in developing an extensive line of corn hybrids, bred specifically for growth and production in the Deep South. Ken earned a number of patents and his product lines provided a foundation for many commercial corn hybrids still grown by farmers worldwide. During his tenure at Pioneer, Ken employed countless teenagers in the corn field, providing many with their first jobs. Soon he became a mentor, trainer, and ambassador for new station managers as the company's research operation expanded to other locations. He helped start research programs in Asia and South America, spending 6 months in Brazil before retiring in 1999.  

As impressive as were his career achievements, he truly excelled as a friend, husband, father, and "Pappaw". He developed many close friendships in his retirement years through his love of woodworking, gardening, fishing, golf, and UK basketball. He was deeply involved at Our Divine Saviour Catholic Church, serving as Parish Council president, Sunday School teacher, and countless other volunteer positions. He enjoyed the South Georgia Seniors golf circuit, serving as president and playing out of Spring Hill Country Club in Tifton. He loved nurturing trees and flowers in his backyard, growing an abundant garden, and showering friends and neighbors with fresh sweet corn in the summer.  

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Ike and Mary Martin of Clinton, KY; his brother, Tony Harold Martin of Dry Ridge KY, his brother-in-law Tommy Ferguson of Clinton, KY, and his son-in-law Erick Preston Byrd of Tifton.  

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margo Carter Martin of Tifton, GA; son Mike Martin (Virginia) of Alpharetta, GA; son Andy Martin (Amy) of Thomasville, GA; daughter Mary Martin Byrd (Michel Marcuse) of Athens, GA; and son David Martin (Lynda) of Westerville, OH. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Julia Martin Strawn (Caleb) of Charlotte, NC; Louisa Martin Eck (Austin) of Birmingham, AL; Liza Byrd of Atlanta, GA; Andrew Byrd of Athens, GA; Sarah Martin of Columbus, OH; Grace Martin of Westerville, OH, and Jay Martin of Westerville, OH. Additional survivors are sister Patsy Martin Ferguson of Clinton, Ky; brother James Dwight Martin (Shirley) of Johnson City, TX, sister-in-law Nancy Martin of Dry Ridge, KY; sister-in-law Cissy Sanii (Eddie) of San Antonio, TX, and 12 nieces and nephews.

 Funeral arrangements are with Albritton Funeral Directors of Tifton. Services on Monday evening Oct. 28 include a brief prayer service with remembrances at the Albritton Chapel (6:00pm), immediately followed by visitation from 6:30 - 8:00pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Peter Oyenugba and assisted by Deacon J. Brian Bergeron on Tuesday morning Oct. 29 at 10:00 AM at Our Divine Saviour Church. A private burial at Tift Memorial Gardens will be scheduled at a later time.  

Buster Janelle, Jim Laycock, Bill McDaniel, Benito Estrada, Phil Alt, Jim Adkins, Morris Scarbrough and Steve Millette will serve as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be the staffs of Traditions Health Hospice and Cypress Pond Senior Care.

The family wishes to thank the staff and caregivers of Cypress Pond Senior Care for the kindness and care shown to us over the last year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following: Our Divine Saviour Catholic Church, P.O. Box 212, Tifton, Ga 31793, Traditions Health Hospice Care,126 S. Access Rd, Chula, GA. 31733 or the Cypress Pond Employee Fund, 15 Kent Rd., Tifton, GA. 31794

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.