W. Ross Martin, age 86, of Cornelia, Georgia, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 30, 2026, following an extended illness.

Born in Clarkesville, Georgia on April 7, 1940, he was a son of the late Walter Lee Martin and Pauline Jarrell Martin. Ross was a proud graduate of North Habersham High School, Class of 1958, and continued his education at Gainesville College before earning his degree from Piedmont College.

A proud patriot, Ross honorably served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era, attaining the rank of Airman First Class. Following his military service, he devoted more than 40 years of faithful employment to Standard Telephone Company, where he worked in communications until his retirement.

Ross was a dedicated member of the Cornelia Masonic Lodge #92 F. & A.M. and the Cornelia Lions Club, where he enjoyed the fellowship of his fellow members and the opportunity to serve his community. In his spare time, he found great joy in farming and woodworking, taking pride in working with both the land and his hands. Above all else, he treasured the time he spent with his family. Whether sharing stories, lending a helping hand, or simply enjoying their company, his love for those closest to him was evident in all he did. He will be remembered as a devoted family man, a faithful friend, and a quiet example of kindness, integrity, and hard work.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Brenda Ann Short Martin; brothers, Lee Martin and Larry Martin; sister, Betty Smith; and step-granddaughter, Carlye Elrod.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Teri and Jeff Elrod of Demorest; granddaughter and her husband, Brooke and Josh Gragg of Cornelia; grandson, Alex Graham of Cornelia; step-granddaughter, Samantha Elrod of Baldwin; step-grandson & wife, Codye & Anna Elrod of Mount Airy; great-granddaughters, Kendall Gragg and Emmalynn Gragg; step-great-grandson, Lane Elrod; sister, Cathy Clark of Clarkesville; sisters-in-law, Deborah Champlin of Jefferson, June Short of Demorest, and Betty Matkowski of San Diego, California; a number of nieces and nephews; special friends, Bill and Martha Rose of Newbern, Tennessee, Jimmy Thompson of Alto, Janice Erwin, Brent and Dana Erwin, Daron & Laura Erwin, Karen Erwin, and the Erwin grandchildren, all of Cornelia; as well as a host of other cherished relatives and friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Turpin officiating. Interment will follow in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery in Clarkesville, Georgia with Military Honors provided by the Grant Reeves Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 12:00 Noon until the service hour.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Get Real Ministries, P.O. Box 293, Baldwin, GA. 30511

An online guest registry is available for the Martin family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706-778-8668) is honored to serve the family of W. Ross Martin.