Joe Stephen Martin

Joe Stephen Martin of Buford, Georgia, age 74, passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones in the early morning of August 12, 2026 after a long-fought battle with cancer. Joe was born on July 18, 1952 in Buford, Georgia to J.L. Martin, Jr. and Betty Westbrooks Martin. He was a Buford High School graduate of the class of 1970. Joe obtained his Associate’s degree from Gainesville College. He began his working life building houses with his father and brothers before entering a life of service as a fireman. Joe volunteered at the Sugar Hill Fire Department, then spent 31 years with the Gwinnett County Fire Department. While working for the county, Joe was an EMT, firefighter, and Captain before retiring as the Battalion Chief. After retirement, Joe continued his life of public service contributing to the community of Gwinnett County. Throughout his life, Joe found joy in hunting, fishing, vacationing and spending time with his family. Joe met his loving wife, Shan, of 45 years on New Year’s Eve of 1974. They got married on March 27, 1981 at New Bethany Baptist Church and later welcomed their three children, Andy, Lauren and Jeremy. Later in life Joe fulfilled his dream of becoming a Papa to his beloved grandchildren. Joe is preceded in death by his parents J.L. and Betty Martin; brothers Larry Martin and Winton Martin, all of Buford. He is survived by his wife Shan Martin, of Buford; children Andy Martin, of Brookhaven; Lauren Johnson, of Buford; Jeremy Martin, of Jefferson; grandchildren Oliver and Ellie Johnson, and an eagerly anticipated grandson, Everett Johnson, due to arrive in November. Joe is also survived by siblings Stanley Martin, Joyce Westbrooks, Janice Gilliland, and Crystal Queen, all of Buford; mother-in-law Louise “Weezy” Martin, of Blue Ridge, along with many other close family members. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 16 at 2 PM in the Chapel at Flanigan Funeral Home in Buford, Georgia, officiated by Reverend Frank Pratt, with interment service immediately following at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, August 15 from 4 PM-8 PM, and Sunday, August 16 from 12 PM-2 PM.

Joe Stephen Martin

July 18, 1952 - August 12, 2026