Grant Cole Martin

Grant Cole Martin, a cherished son, brother, boyfriend, and friend, returned to his heavenly home on July 20, 2024.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Morningside Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM Friday, July 26, 2024 at the church 6065 Morningside Dr, Columbus, GA 31909. A private interment will be held at Hamilton Cemetery according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Grant was born in Atlanta, GA, on February 21, 2000, to loving parents Phil and Amy Martin, Grant lived a life that overflowed with creativity, service, and deep-seated joy until his untimely passing in the same city due to heart failure. Known for his warm spirit and boundless generosity, Grant's legacy is one marked by faith, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of others.

Grant's educational journey was a testament to his passion for learning and dedication. A proud graduate of Harris County High School in 2018, he furthered his studies at Columbus State University, where he graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English, leaving a lasting impact on the campus community. As President of the Baptist Collegiate Ministries in the 2021-2022 academic year, Grant was instrumental in fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for fellow students, creating a sense of family and belonging within the organization.

Family was the cornerstone of Grant's life, and he embraced his role with love and laughter. As a beloved brother to Connor Martin and a devoted boyfriend to his soulmate, Grace Drury, Grant forged bonds that stood strong in the face of life's challenges. His grandparents, Benny and Debbie Parmer, Pi and Charlene Martin, alongside aunts and uncles Ben Parmer & Meaghan Reilly, Brian & Brandi Martin, Brent & Justine Martin, Heather Martin, and Durwood Gafford, each held a special place in his heart. Grant's playful spirit will be fondly remembered by his cousins Emilie and Kirin Martin, Jeron Martin, Austyn Curington, and Elyssa Jacobs, with whom he shared countless moments of joy and camaraderie.

Grant was a beacon of creativity and imagination. His passion for constructing intricate Lego masterpieces, immersing himself in the fantastical worlds of Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Dune, and leading epic Dungeons & Dragons adventures at the Baptist Collegiate Ministries resonated with all who had the privilege to join him. His zest for life was noticeable when he was in his favorite place of all, Disney World, or when he was simply spending countless cherished hours with Grace, exploring the depths of their shared dreams and aspirations.

A man of deep faith, Grant was a staunch believer in the virtues of humility and service. He loved studying the Bible and volunteered his time and talents across various ministries, always preferring the joy of giving over any recognition. In remembering Grant, his life encapsulates the essence of the well-known quote by St. Francis of Assisi, "For it is in giving that we receive." This principle was the very fabric of Grant's existence, setting an example for all on how to live a life filled with purpose and love. His favorite book of the Bible was Job and his favorite biblical chapter was Psalm 16.

Friends and family knew Grant as the epitome of someone who was funny, faith-filled, and selfless. His laughter was contagious, his sincerity in his faith inspiring, and his selflessness a gentle reminder of the good in humanity. Grant didn't need the spotlight to shine; his actions, his compassion, and his loving nature illuminated the lives of everyone around him.

Indeed, while Grant Cole Martin's time on this earth was brief, the impact of his 24 years will be felt for generations to come. He was everybody's best friend, a beacon of kindness and generosity in a world that so often lacks such light. Though he has departed from this mortal realm, his memory will remain as a guiding star, a constant reminder of the power of love and the strength of the human spirit.

Rest in peace, Grant. Your legacy of love, laughter, and service will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know you. "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).

In lieu of flowers, our family prefers honoring Grant’s memory by donating to the Columbus Baptist Association, the Georgia Transplant Foundation, or the American Heart Association.