Gean Martin Obituary

Gean Wylie Martin Savannah, GA - Gean Wylie Martin, age 76, passed away on Sunday, March 18, 2018 at Candler Hospital in Savannah, GA. Family was his number one priority and he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. As such, it was very appropriate that Gean was attended by his immediate family at the time of his passing. He was born on August 31, 1941 in Charleston, SC as the youngest of four children to Allen and Blanche Martin. Gean graduated from Rivers High School in 1960 and was fortunate to spend a significant amount of time at the Mitchell Playground. He attended the University of South Carolina and graduated with a degree in business. While at USC, Gean joined the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and in his senior year was selected as the USC Fraternity Man of the year. He participated in ROTC all four years and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force following graduation where he served on the KC-135 Tanker. After six years of service including participation in the Vietnam War and receiving the Air Medal, Gean left the service with the rank of Captain. He then joined Prudential as a large company group representative where he advised Fortune 500 companies on how to effectively manage their health insurance benefit programs. Prudential asked Gean and Linda to relocate on multiple occasions resulting in 10 moves in 8 years. In 1980, Gean moved the family to Savannah, GA and opened up his own financial advisory firm, Gean Martin & Co. Over the next 38 years, he grew the business substantially from a local to region operation providing advice and expertise to mid-sized businesses which include a name change to Martin Financial Group. Gean's two sons, Tony and Todd, joined him in the business and have taken over day-to-day operations but Gean was active in the business continuously until the end. Even though he received numerous industry awards, Gean told anyone who would listen that his best accomplishments were his family, kids and grandkids. He and Linda were avid travelers and have visited numerous countries over the years. He was also devoted to his community most recently elected as Chairman of the Board for the Mighty Eighth Air Museum. Gean was also a longtime supporter and committed to the YMCA, Junior Achievement, and many others. He attended Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. Gean is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years (Linda), two sisters (Naomi and Lillian) two sons and daughter-in-laws (Tony and Holly; Todd and Lauren), and four grandchildren (Hunter, Haley, Nolan and Grant). Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 23, 2018 at 2pm at the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church, 412 Parkersburg Rd, Savannah, GA 31406. Visitation will be held before the funeral starting at 12:30pm at the Isle of Hope Methodist Church in the Fellowship Hall. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances be made to the Mighty Eighth Air Museum, the YMCA or the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church Christ Child's Nest. Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Savannah, Georgia Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston