Dr. George Chesley Martin, Sr., of Springdale, AR passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 71 years old. He was born July 13, 1952, in San Antonio, Texas to Robert Chesley and Enbe (Woody) Martin.
George began his dental career in 1976 in McGehee, AR where he owned his own practice. He practiced there for 28 years before moving to Northwest Arkansas. He then became a partner at the Family Dental Center and practiced there for 17 years. George decided to share his skills and passion for dentistry and taught at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis for 4 years. During his career, he received many prestigious awards. He received the Young Dentist Award in 1991 by the Arkansas Dental Association. He served as President on the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners from 2013 to 2014. He served as President of the Southern Regional Testing Agency. He received the Distinguished Service Award in 2021 from the Arkansas State Dental Association. During his tenure at University of Tennessee College of Dentistry he received multiple awards including the Charles Edrington Faculty Award, the Junior Faculty Award, and the John S. Diggs Nelson Faculty Enrichment Award. George had a passion for helping others that led him to go on 12 different Honduras mission trips performing dental procedures.
Lovingly referred to as “Doc” by those who knew him best, George enjoyed spending time with family, gardening, pheasant hunting, and watching the Razorbacks. He loved to travel with family and friends. He also loved being outdoors. George was an avid camper, hiker and loved to fish. Also known as “Poppy” to his grandkids, he loved being at all their events, coaching them, and beating them in a foot race any chance he got.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Enbe Martin. George is survived by his wife of 41 years Julie (Jordan) Martin; sister Rebecca (Martin) Sherwood and husband Ron; his son George Chesley Martin, Jr. and his wife Ashley; his daughter Jordan (Martin) Prater and her husband Seth; son Kyle Martin; four grandchildren, Easton and Jase Martin and Charlotte and Georgie Prater; as well as many other friends, family and loved ones.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 29, 2023, at Johnson Church of Christ in Johnson, Arkansas. Burial will follow at Stuckey Cemetery in Johnson. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Johnson Church of Christ at https://johnsoncoc.breezechms.com/give/online. To sign the online guestbook, at www.bernafuneralhomes.com.
