Samuel James MartinSamuel Martin of
Buford Falls, died
yesterday at his home.
Mr. Martin is survived
by his wife Emily, his
sons James, Nathan
and daughter Nancy
Martin, two grandsons
and two grandaughters.
Rev. Lucas Brown will
conduct funeral services
at the church. Burial will
be in the church cemetary
The following day at Buford Falls Church Rev. Lucas Brown, the pastor of the church, conducted the funeral service . . .
"You the family and friends are assembled here to mark the earthly passing of a precious member of our church family, Sam Martin. We’re assembled here to say farewell . . . until the time when we’re reunited in God’s mansion, the place that Sam now calls home.
Sam's widow Emily was seated with their daughter Nancy Martin.
Their oldest son Jimmy was accompanied by his wife Arlene.
Their son Nathan (Nancy's twin) was seated with his wife Julie.
Jimmy's son David was accompanied by his girlfriend Megan Grace Tyler.
This is Nathan's adopted son Corey.
Jimmy's daughter Joyce and Nathan's adopted daughter Amanda were seated together.
Longtime friends and next-door neighbors Joy and Larry Anderson had come to pay their respects.
Longtime friends and neighbors MaryLou and Peter Edwards were also here to pay their respects.
Friends and neighbors Claudia and Rhys Sawyer were in attendance.
Nurse Jane and her husband Dr. Brian were seated together.
Friend and neighbor Regan Tyler was escorted by her boyfriend Birch Stetler.
"Those who wish to do so may come forward at this time to mourn Sam."
The widow came forward and mourned her husband.
Nancy joined her mother and mourned her father.
Jimmy mourned his father.
Nathan mourned his father.
David came forward and mourned his grandfather . . .
And was comforted by Megan Grace.
In the cemetary beside the church . . . "I would like to quote a poem by David Harkin which I hope will bring you comfort", said Rev. Brown.
"You can shed tears that he is gone
Or you can smile because he has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on", he quoted.
After the funeral services had ended . . . Sam's family, friends and neighbors left to go home.