Riley Gilbert Martin

Riley Gilbert Martin, age 76 of Gainesville, GA passed away on April 16, 2026.

     Gilbert was a great man, loved and respected by many. He often told stories of his youth growing up with eight siblings—hunting, fishing, playing games, working in the garden, and helping his mother around the house.
     Drafted into the Army after high school, he was proud of his service. While enlisted he trained on tanks and marksmanship, and he always laughed about his time in the kitchen because he was the only one who could peel potatoes the “right” way.
After discharge he attended technical school for electrical work and held several positions throughout his career. He retired from ZF as a machinist and welder.
Gilbert served for many years as a deacon and church clerk at Straightway Baptist and cherished his service there. He loved his church and the congregation who worshipped with him.
       A devoted father, Gilbert loved his children deeply and was always willing to help in any way he could. He never missed a ballgame, cheer competition, or dance recital. He adored his grandsons, attended many of their games and events, and took them fishing whenever he could—even in later years when mobility became difficult. Family time was his favorite time.
     Gilbert loved to fish and spent as much time on the lake as possible in his younger days. He was an excellent cook who enjoyed good food and sharing meals with loved ones. He was generally a quiet man, but when he spoke, his words mattered. It was a joy to watch funny movies with him and hear his laughter. He treasured family gatherings, parties, and church events.
     He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Mr. Martin is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Stella Martin, brothers Wayne Martin, Mitchell Martin and Kenneth Martin, as well as his sisters Mattie Martin and Sally Pearl Martin.

Mr. Martin is survived by his wife Joan Martin; daughter and son-in-law Ashley and Jeremy Kastner; son and daughter-in-law Heath and Rebekah Martin; grandchildren Daniel Kastner, Jeremiah Kastner and Noah Kastner; sisters Linda Chandler, Carol Head and Deborah Greg; mother-in-law Henrietta Pinson as well as a host of other nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A funeral service has been scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 2pm at Straightway Baptist Church. Rev. Michael McIntyre and Rev. Danny Kastner will officiate the service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm. Interment will be at Straightway Baptist Church.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com  

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