George Edwin Martin's Obituary
Martin, George Edwin 91, of St. Petersburg, passed away March 27, 2016. Born June 15, 1924, in Fredrick, MD, he was the son of late Calvin Stewart Martin and Bessie M. Eichelberger Martin.
In 1943, Ed joined the Army and trained at Ft. Meade in MD before serving with Company A, 53rd Armored Engineer Batallion in World War II. He was a decorated Veteran and served in several campaigns throughout Europe. Upon returning from the war, Ed married the love of his life, Ruth Bumbaugh in 1946. Ed and Ruth were happily married for 65 years, Ruth preceded him in death in March 2011.
Ed was an avid antique collector and garage sale connoisseur who had an incredible talent for purchasing items most would consider junk and reselling them at insane profit margins. He loved to go shopping and was a master haggler who found bargaining and identifying the best deal a hobby. He eventually owned one of the most diverse and largest collections of coin operated piggy banks and taught us all the value of a penny. He greatly enjoyed entertaining guests and always ensured they were welcome in his home and left with a well-fed stomach.
He is survived by his wife of 21 months, Ruby Martin, two daughters, Judy Pierce and husband Joseph Pierce of Mechanicsburg, PA, Linda Chamberlain and husband Dr. Kerry Chamberlain of Belleair; grandchildren Jeffrey Eigenbrode, wife Pilar; great grandchildren Nicole Artigues and Zachary Eigenbrode of Encinitas CA; Dr. Jennifer Eigenbrode of Cabin John, MD; Dr. Theodore Chamberlain and wife Lauren; great granddaughter Elle Chamberlain of Belleair; Alexander Chamberlain and wife Julie of Belleair; Kerry E. Chamberlain II of Lubbock, TX.
A private memorial service will be held on Friday April 1, with burial following at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. Donations may be made in Ed’s memory to Grace Christian Fellowship Church, 901 Ridge Road SW, Largo, FL 33770.
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