David Parks Martin Jr.

David was born on July 21, 1955, in Atlanta, Georgia to David and Barbara Martin. He traded his Georgia peach for a Jonesboro, Arkansas Hurricane when he transferred and graduated from Jonesboro High School where he was voted Most Likely to Succeed by his peers in 1973.

After earning a Zoology degree from Arkansas State University, David made his way to Dallas, where he built a name for himself in the insurance industry, serving as an expert claims manager for over 40 years.

David was a lifelong learner and avid astronomy enthusiast, but his true north was always his family. His wife Mary Nell and two children, Grant and Greer were the center of his universe, and his unwavering love for his three stars gave direction and purpose to every chapter of his life.

Photographer, rock tumbler, radio-control hobbyist, tinkerer and space explorer, David’s life was marked by a fascination of his world, and he was just as compelled to understand it as he was to question it.

Equally as he loved his rocks, he loved to roll. Rhythm didn’t bless him in this life, but that never stopped David from enjoying the hypnotic beats of his favorite artists including The Beatles, The Who, and his all-time favorite David Bowie.

He’s fondly remembered by those who understood him and appreciated his nuance, and he was never bothered by those who didn’t.

David was preceded in death by his parents, David and Barbara Martin, his granddaughter Madeleine Martin and nephew James Martin.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Nell Martin; his children, Grant (Brittany) and Greer Martin; his grandchildren, Pierce and Grace; his siblings, Leigh (Margo) and Jim Martin; along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

A celebration of David’s life will be held on Thursday, August 13 at 3 p.m. inside the Hasley Chapel located at St. Andrew Methodist Church’s campus in Plano, TX.

Although our “Starman” is gone too soon, we find comfort in knowing that when we look to the night sky, his light shines down on us, guiding us as it always has.