George Michael (Mike) Martin of Sheffield passed away on August 8, 2025. Born in Rockwood, Tennessee, he grew up in Florence but resided in Sheffield on the bluff with his wife Kristie .
Mike was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary Kathryn Martin and Raymond Martin, and brother, Lyn Martin.
He is survived by his devoted wife Kristie, son, Brett Martin (Meghan); daughter, Katie Hanback (Bronson), and grandsons Brockton Hanback, Brecken Hanback, and Ian Martin, all whom he adored and spoiled endlessly.
Mike did more in a lifetime than most could do in several. From working on water coolers, to running a rental car business to successful mattress sales operations, even with a brief stint as an oyster shucker, he was good at what he did. Throughout different parts of his life he was a little league baseball coach, a backpacker, a golfer, and a boater. Along the way he made lots of friends and had stories that none of us can tell the way he could. Mike was very generous and loved helping people, but more often than not, he did it quietly and didn’t want to be noticed for it. We should all strive to live and give like our Mikey did. He liked good food and good music and epitomized the pura vida (good life) lifestyle. He always had advice on what to use in your marinade, how to smoke the perfect butt and what song you needed to listen to next. In later years he enjoyed sitting on his deck, with a good cocktail, watching a Sheffield sunset on the bluff, while overlooking the beautiful Tennessee River with Kristie. He loved watching football, baseball and golf, and he always ensured to record the Braves game for later.
Even when he was dealing with his illness towards the end, he never stopped finding a way to make things funny. Mike insisted over and over that he didn’t want sadness and tears after his passing. He wanted fun stories and happy memories, and his family will ensure that his goodness, his generosity and his zeal for life will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
The family will be holding a private memorial service.
The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff at Enhabit Hospice and family and friends who have shown us so much support and love over these past few months. Our gratitude is immense.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Friends of the Sheffield Public Library. “
