George Robert “Bob” Martin
- George Robert “Bob” Martin - age
84 of Corryton passed away on Thursday, March
21, 2024, at home with family. Born and raised in Philadelphia, TN, where he enjoyed playing baseball and keeping company with friends. He had a love for 50’s rock-n-roll, especially Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, Chubby Checker and The Coasters and was fortunate enough to attend many concerts in Chicago while working at Del Monte. Robert moved with his new bride to Corryton, TN in 1962 and quickly became a well known and loved member of the community. He was a member of Rutherford Memorial UMC, faithfully serving on various committees throughout the years, and a member of and advocate for The Corryton Community
Center. Serving as Chairperson of the Corryton Hospitality Food Pantry, he procured and supervised the distribution of food to 200+ families on a biweekly basis. He also served as a Knox County Election Commission coordinator. Mr. Martin graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Masters Degree in Education. He was an extraordinary teacher and principal at Corryton Elementary School for 39+ years. Known and loved as Bob, Robert, Bud, Dad, Grandpa, and Mr. Martin, he was an avid gardener, amateur photographer, purveyor of sports cards and memorabilia, and an unofficial local historian. Bob was a mentor to many, exhibiting true work ethics and a remarkable work-life balance. As a life-long sports and leisure aficionado, Bob was always ready to play. Nearest and dearest to his heart was baseball - sandlot to major league field, the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers being his favorite team. He also enjoyed Monopoly, Yahtzee, Spinner, badminton, Ping-Pong, croquet, sledding, and nearly every card game imaginable. He relished family trips to the beach and cruise ship vacations with Kathy and friends. He proudly served in the Army National Guard. Preceded in death by parents, George and Robbie Martin of Philadelphia, TN. Survived by his wife of 61 years, Kathy Shipley Martin; sister, Barbara Martin Bolt; daughters, Pam Richardson (Steve) and Anita Shea (Bruce); niece, Heather Bolt Shubert (Tim); grandchildren, Stephani Richardson McCarty (JT), Andrea Richardson Karr (Dustin), Emma Shea and Sam Shea; and great-grandchildren, Rhiannon, Phoenix, David, and Daisy Karr. Celebration of Life will be held at Rutherford Memorial UMC (7815 Corryton Rd, Corryton, TN) on Saturday, March 30 at 4pm. Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37924, 865-523-4999. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com.