Thomas Martin

Thomas Edward Martin, Sr., of Macon, Georgia passed away, at age 97, on Sunday October 26, 2025. A funeral service will be held Thursday, October 30, 2025 in the chapel of Fairhaven Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive visitors Thursday October 30, 2025 from 10:00 am till service time in the funeral home. The family will not receive visitors in the home.

Born in Memphis, TN, Mr. Martin worked in several jobs as a youngster. He learned to fly a piper cub airplane while growing up in Grenada, MS. He converted his keen interest in airplanes into a 20-year career in the US Air Force with 18 1/2 years in flight status.

Thomas married Elsie Parrish in Biloxi, Mississippi, while serving at Kessler Air Force Base, in 1948. They were married for 73 years. His next service was at Kelly Air Force Base 1949-1952. He served in Korea from February 1952 to February 1953, Warner Robins Air Force Base 1953-1956, back to Kessler in 1956. His foreign service included France at Chateauroux Air Force Base 1959-1961 the US Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal June 1961-1963. His final assignment took him to Tacoma, WA. were he served on jets like the C-141 for 626 Military Airlift Wing. He often flew into the Vietnam War zone.

After retirement, Thomas worked for Boeing Aircraft Company until moving to Georga when his father became ill in 1970. In Macon, He owned Southside Transmission Parts & Service for more than 40 years. He served on the Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission.

His wife Elsie Parrish Martin, two daughters, Sandra J. Martin-Root, and Nancy L. Durden; Brother Eugene Martin and sister Bettye Sue Martin Hill precede him in death.

He is survived by children, Patricia Ann Tucker (John), Thomas E. Martin Jr., Deborah Martin McLeod(Gary), and Mark R. Martin; grandchildren, John Justin Tucker, Patricia Humphrey (Jonathan), and Jennifer Calhoun; great grandchildren, Magnolia and Nova Calhoun.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude or donor's favorite charity.

Friends may sign the online registry at www.fairhavenmacon.com.

FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services has the honor of being entrusted with arrangements.