Walter "Bootsie" Pafford Martin

Walter “Bootsie” Pafford Martin, 74, entered into his eternal rest Monday, September 5, 2023, at his home. Services to celebrate his life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 6:00 PM Monday evening, September 11, 2023, with the Brother Randall Goossen and Brother Barrow Walden officiating.

Born in Bulloch County, Walter, lovingly known as “Bootsie” from a young age—he got this nickname because he always wore boots—was the second of three sons born to the late Erma Jean Hendrix Martin and the late Clifford Willis Martin.  The family moved to Wrens when Bootsie was a young boy.  He played football for Wrens High School and graduated as his class president in 1968, after which he was drafted into the Army, serving in Germany and Viet Nam.  Upon his return home, he worked in the family businesses until they closed.  He then did some farming in Jefferson and Burke counties as well as land clearing—he was known as a master at manipulating large equipment to clear land.  Bootsie always had a vegetable garden and shared its produce with friends and those in need. He was a hard worker and found enjoyment in a job well done.  He loved animals of all kinds, having pet dogs, racoon, skunk, monkey, hedgehog, buzzard and pot-belly pig.  Bootsie was not into impressing others at all.  You could tell this by the truck he drove and his dress.  He never bought a new truck and most of his trucks were “hybrids”—not from the manufacturer but ones that he constructed by putting two or three different trucks together to make one drivable truck.  When one tore up, he just made another one!  It was told that his children never worried about his reaction to a fender-bender since one more—or several more—dents didn’t hurt anything.  Bootsie was Bootsie—unique and not another one like him!  No matter what was said or done, he was accepted because he was just “Bootsie”.  He loved people and had a special place in his heart for children. He fit in with everyone—from the lowest in society to the society famous; from law enforcement to the ones who avoided law enforcement; from the saved to the lost—everyone loved Bootsie and has “Bootsie” stories to keep in their hearts.  He experienced the power of Jesus’ love and mercy and was a born-again believer, sharing his love for others in his beautiful, simple prayers.  He was not ashamed of his Lord and would pray wherever and whenever he felt anyone needed prayer.  Bootsie expierenced great loss and trials in his lifetime—his two brothers as young men; his experiences in Viet Nam; his parents; his two sons; and his own health issues and bouts with cancer. Even through these losses, trials and failures, he knew his Lord and Savior and faithfully trusted God’s plan for his life. He has now reached his eternal Heavenly home where he is now experiencing true joy, peace and love. 

Bootsie was also preceded in death by his sons, Daniel Martin and Steven Martin; and his brothers, Cliff Martin, Jr. and Joe Martin. Those left to mourn his passing includes his children, Walt Martin Jr. and Cayce Ingalls; nieces and nephews, Jay Martin, Jane Martin, Jimmy Martin and Trey Martin; daughter-in-law, Ashley Martin; and a multitude of friends.

The family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made directly to James Funeral Home by clicking the link below or by mailing to PO Box 588, Wrens GA 30833.

https://www.jamesfhwrens.com/resources/make-a-payment