Walter Francis Martin

Walter “Wally” Martin, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026 at the age of 78 after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Born on September 14, 1947, in Somers Point, New Jersey, Wally was the son of Walter and Josephine Martin. Raised in a military family, he moved 17 times across the country and abroad, including Guam and Newfoundland—an upbringing that shaped his curiosity, adaptability, and love of stories.

Wally’s childhood was full of adventures he loved to recall: riding bikes in Guam while imagining traces of World War II, catching his first fish in New Jersey with a piece of bologna, and moose hunting with his father in Newfoundland. A dedicated Boy Scout, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1963 and spent summers as a counselor at Camp Many Point in Minnesota.

A graduate of Wayzata High School in Minnesota, Wally was active in student leadership and the National Honor Society. He went on to attend the United States Naval Academy, graduating in the top third of his class and embracing boxing, skiing, and mountain climbing. After graduation, he attended the Navy Supply Corps School in Athens, Georgia, where he met his wife of 54 years, Sharon Maier. He later earned an MBA from Georgia State University.

Wally served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War as part of the Vietnamization program. He was instrumental in setting up a naval logistics system for river patrol boats in Vinh Long, earning a Navy Commendation Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon—honors he rarely spoke about.

After his military service, Wally built a varied and fulfilling career. He began as a stockbroker at Paine Webber, then worked in sales and marketing at Lever Brothers, Mobil Chemical, and Kimberly-Clark, before consulting with Coopers & Lybrand. In 1992, he founded Strategic Management Services Group, enjoying the independence of working for himself for the next 30 years. He also taught Strategic Planning in Georgia State University’s Evening MBA program and took real pleasure in mentoring students.

Writing was one of Wally’s lifelong loves. He had a deep appreciation for words and ideas and taught both of his daughters how to write the perfect essay. Over the years, he started many novels inspired by war, the mountains, and Native American history—subjects that captured his imagination and reflected his thoughtful, inquisitive nature.

Above all, Wally was a devoted family man. With his wife Sharon, he raised two daughters, Katie and Cindy, who were the center of his world. With Katie, he delighted in teaching her to breathe, walk, master chemistry, write clearly, and ski. With Cindy, he taught her how to parallel park and ride a bike, ran the Peachtree Road Race with her, and mentored her for years in consulting and strategy. He was endlessly proud of both daughters and the women they became.

Wally found enormous joy in being a grandfather to five grandchildren—Zoey, Henry, Ryan, Beth, and Abby. He loved cheering them on at baseball and softball games, dance and gymnastics recitals, and sharing his lifelong love of fishing.

An avid outdoorsman and traveler, Wally loved skiing, hiking, fishing, jogging, annual trips to Hilton Head, and ten trips to the Canadian Rockies. His travels also took him to Alaska, the Caribbean, the British Isles, the Mediterranean, Egypt, South Africa, Belgium, Bermuda, and Hawaii.

He shared a special bond with his beloved dog, Kacey, who brought him comfort and joy, especially in his later years.

Wally is survived by his wife Sharon; his daughters, Katie Decker (husband Todd) and Cindy Pols (husband Aaron); his grandchildren Zoey Decker, Henry Decker, Ryan Pols, Beth Pols, and Abby Pols; his sister Carolyn Dickerson; his sister-in-law Nan Maier; and 10 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Josephine Martin; his sister Mary Jo Menold; and his brothers-in-law Stephen Maier, William Menold, and Jerry Dickerson.

Wally will be remembered for his warmth, intelligence, sense of humor, love of learning, and deep devotion to his family.

A memorial service celebrating Wally’s life will be held on January 24, 2025, at the Canton Hill Chapel at H.M. Patterson & Son at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

Rest in peace, Wally. Your legacy of love, adventure, and resilience will live on in the hearts of those you touched.