George Washington Martin, 68, of Williamston, S.C., husband of Debbie Sims Martin, died Jan. 3, 2013, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Martin was the founder of Martin & Martin Auctioneers Inc. and Martin & Martin Cattle Company Inc. He had served on the board of the South Carolina Auctioneer’s Commission. He was past president and was inducted into the hall of fame of the South Carolina Auctioneer’s Association. He was a producer of pure bred registered Black Angus cattle and an active member of the South Carolina Angus Association.

Mr. Martin also was a longtime board member of First Citizens Bank Advisory Board. He served 14 years in the South Carolina National Guard. And he was a former John Deere dealer and active member of the Tennessee Walking Horse Association.

Born in Anderson County, Mr. Martin was a son of the late Carol J. and Bonnie Durham Martin. He was an active member and held numerous leadership positions at Guthrie Grove Church of God of the Abrahamic Faith.

Surviving in addition to his wife are sons, Joey Martin (Jennifer) of Williamston S.C.; Jeff Martin (Kellie) of Brooklyn, Miss; special niece, Jennifer Martin Upton; brothers, David Martin and Paul Martin, both of Williamston, S.C.; and four grandchildren, Alexandria, Jayse, Emma and Abby Martin.

He was predeceased by a brother, Jack Martin.