Funeral services for Gary Martin, age 76 of Columbia, will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, January 2, 2026, from the sanctuary of Outreach Baptist Church with Bro. Shane Duke officiating. Interment will follow in the Fellowship Cemetery under direction of Riser & Son Funeral Home of Columbia. The Martin Family will receive guests on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the church from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Joseph Gary Martin was born on June 4, 1949, in Shreveport, LA to the union of his parents, the late Luther James Martin and Elise Robbins Martin. and he passed from this life on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Citizens Medical Center in Columbia.

Gary was born a cowboy. His love for horses began when he was a little boy when he started riding at a very young age. He loved rodeo whether it be fighting bulls in his younger days, to working the back gate at the rodeo, or just watching his kids and grandkids from the stands. He also enjoyed breaking and training horses. Being a member and Past-President of the Columbia Lions Club was a way to contribute to his community while doing what he loved. He was in the Army and served his country faithfully in Vietnam. Gary retired from the LA Livestock Brand Commission where he investigated livestock and farm thefts. He also worked as a Boom Operator in pipeline for over ten years. After retiring he decided to stay home to spend time with family and raise horses on his ranch, the Bar M. Gary was a member of Outreach Baptist Church.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Don Martin; sisters: Joy Covington and Shirley Green; his daughter, Rebecca Martin and great-grandson, Bobby Bruce.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of fifty-six years, Georgia Mercer Martin; daughter, Leasa Thompson (Jody); son, Joey Martin (Amy) and brother, James Martin (Donna). His grandchildren: Tyler Thompson (Valerie), Taylor Thompson (Kelsi), Cinch Martin, Kolten Holt (Sara) Kody Lejeune and Kolby Lejeune. His great-grandchildren: Tanner Bruce (Ashley) Abby Bruce (Brandt) Gabby Bruce (Brennan), Chase Thompson and Sawyer Thompson. His great-great-grandchildren: Brynlee Winnstead, Brody Bruce, Bailey Bruce, Paisley Bruce, Luxston Bruce and Gary was looking forward to the next one arriving in May.

Serving as pallbearers will be Tyler Thompson, Taylor Thompson, Kolby Lejeune, Kody Lejeune, Kolten Holt, Frank Germany, Tanner Bruce and Jeremy Wallace.