Mr. Sanford Ray Martin, 74, of Spencer Lane, Hartwell, died peacefully Saturday, March 23, 2013 at his home.

Born on April 26, 1938 in Hartwell GA, he was the son of the late Hugh P. Martin and Launa Roper Martin.He was a self-employed carpenter and builder.Mr. Martin was a member of the Reed Creek Baptist Church, Nancy Hart Masonic Lodge # 690, Nancy Hart Order of the Eastern Star # 398 and the Lake Hartwell Shrine Club.He was a U S Army veteran, serving in the 82nd Airborne and the Vietnam War.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Ruth Ethridge Martin of the home and a daughter, Rhonda Martin of Hartwell.Sanford was very devoted to his two grandchildren, Colt Bennett and his companion Kayla Smith and Michaela Bennett and his two great-grandchildren: Madison Bennett and Kayne McCall.He is also survived by four brothers: Billy Martin of Tampa FL, Keith Martin of Anderson SC, Ronnie Martin and Jimmy Martin both of Atlanta GA and two sisters: Jan Wilson of Suwannee GA and Shirley Ayers of Raleigh NC.Mr. Martin was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Darin Ray Martin.

Mr. Martin wished to be cremated and a memorial service will be Wednesday, March 27 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Ken Brewer officiating.The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service.The family is at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Abundant Life Baptist Church Building Fund, P O Box 237, Hartwell, GA30643 or to the American Cancer Society, 1684 Barnett Shoals Road, Athens GA 30606.