Donald Raymond Martin Sr

Donald Raymond Martin, Sr., of Savannah, Georgia, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, April 29th, 2026, at the age of 94 and three quarters. Born July 16, 1931, in Flint, Michigan, Raymond was the 5th of 8 children born to the late Emily Heidel Martin and Fred Arnold Martin, Sr. Although being the last of the “Yankee Born” Martins, Raymond became a true “southern gentleman” when he came south with his family in the spring of 1940.

Attending Charles Ellis Elementary School, 38th Street School, Richard Arnold School and The Savannah High School, he graduated late, in the January 1952 winter class of SHS due to a long childhood illness. Many classmates loved to tell the tale that the “theatre stage crew”, of which he was a beloved member, rang the “cow bell” upon his graduation in honor of this monumental event!

Not having the opportunity to attend College, nor the benefits of military service due to his medical draft restrictions, Raymond had to accomplish many things the more challenging way. From the beginnings of employment in 1952 with the Savannah Army Corps of Engineers Drafting Corps, Raymond realized that every accomplishment in life would come from the hard realization of “you get that for which you work, and you must work hard.”

Sometimes maintaining two and three jobs at a time to provide for his family, Dad never complained. His outward attitude was always cheerful and pleasant to all. I fully believe that his private motto must have been, “it takes far less effort to be happy, than to constantly work at being consumed with fear or anger.”

Dad accepted many challenges during his life, but never complained. His lack of formal higher education was never a stumbling block. For, he learned at an early age, never to turn away from any challenge, but yet always understood the importance of how to ask for help. Areas that he lacked in formal educational training were mastered through listening and practical application. And these two skills, made him much more learned and far better read than most from his generation in similar situations.

Dad once stumbled upon a saying that he kept taped to his desk for many years… “Life is full of little situations that cry out NOT to be commented upon.” And Dad always taught that sometimes, the best comment, is none at all, and that silence itself, in certain situations, can speak more loudly and be more effective than the loudest participant.

Dad always worked to be a supportive and strong father figure, full of strength through his compassion, full of explanation through his silence, full of joy through his somewhat awkward humor, full of leadership through his participation, full of faith in God through his deep relationship with Christ and support of his church, and full of love through his constant friendship, guidance and example to his family.

Once known for being the “best pen and ink mechanical draftsman” in Savannah, Raymond built and maintained a long and fruitful 68-year career in the Construction Management and Environmental Engineering Industries having fulfilled his career beginning with The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, The Union Camp Bag Division of Savannah, Southern Technical College of Georgia, Jones & Fellers Architects, The State of Georgia as Director of Engineering and Maintenance for the Georgia Regional Hospital of Savannah, Director of Construction Inspections for Hussey Gay & Bell Inc., Construction Coordinator and Senior Administrator with M.C. Anderson Construction Co. and retired in 2017 after 25 years of service from Whitaker Laboratory & Engineering Co. of Savannah as the senior member of the Environmental Engineering Division.

Raymond was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Savannah on which he served terms on the Congregation Council, the 100th Year Anniversary Committee, the Usher Board, the Stewardship Committee and the Men in Mission. Raymond was a past member of the German Friendly Society of Savannah, a Charter Member and Founding President of the Subcontractors Association of Savannah and a volunteer with several local and civic organizations over the years.

Raymond is survived by a son, Donald Raymond Martin, Jr. and his wife Lisa Marie Baker Martin; Granddaughter Emelia McKenzie Martin Levy and her husband Charles C. Levy III; Great Grandson Donald Edwin Levy; Granddaughter Margo Alyda Collins; Grandson Joseph Gabriel Collins; God Children Charles Edward McCallar Jr. and Pamela Marie Henderson; a brother, John J. Martin and “favorite” sister-in-law Sherill Brown Martin; a sister, Martha Martin Bartl, a sister-in-law Alice Stevens Martin; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Raymond was preceded in death by his wife Betty Delores McCallar Martin, a great granddaughter, Ariel Madison Martin, two sisters, June M. Gnann and Marie Martin Henderson-Vardell and by three brothers, Charles C. Martin, Reverend Dr. William H. Martin, George Porter Maritin, and a step brother Fred A. Martin, Jr.

The family would like to offer much gratitude to the Nursing and Care Staff of the Skidaway Wing of Azalealand Nursing Home as well as Susan Bennett, RN and Gail Tirey, RN of Hospice Savannah for the excellent care given to Dad during his short illness; and a lifelong appreciation and thanksgiving to Dr. Felix T. Maher, DMD for the love and care offered for many years for “Old Roy”.

In Lieu of Flowers, Remembrances may be sent to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 West 31st Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401, Attn: Steeple Restoration.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a visitation at Baker McCullough Funeral Home, Garden City Chapel in Garden City, Georgia, on Friday, May 8th, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A graveside service to honor and celebrate Raymond's life will be held at Hilcrest Abbey East Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia on Saturday, May 9th at 11:00 am with the Rev. Peter J. Hartmann officiating.

Arrangements have been thoughtfully provided by Baker McCullough Funeral Home-Garden City Chapel, who ensured that Raymond will be remembered with the dignity and respect he so richly deserves.