GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Byron Randall Martin, 78, of Gainesville passed away on May 19, 2010. Mr. Martin was born in High Springs, FL on January 15, 1932 to Blanton and Mildred (Gillespie) Martin. For 55 years, from 1953 to 2008, he held many jobs with the railroad. He was a baggage man, a flagman, a fireman, and locomotive engineer in Florida and in Georgia. He was a member of the Elks Club. He moved to Georgia in 1967 and retired from CSX Transportation as a locomotive engineer in 2008. He was a U.S. Army veteran and fought in the Korean War. He loved sports, especially the Florida Gators. He liked gardening. He was a great husband, father, and provider for his family. He is survived by his wife, Deborah L. Martin, son, Blanton N. Martin of Los Angeles, CA; daughters, Leah A. Martin of Gainesville, FL, Jenna N. Martin of Augusta, GA; sisters, Patty L. Harrelson of Gainesville and Betty P. Gregory of Alachua, FL, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sons, Byron Randall Martin, Jr, Thomas D. Martin and Charles L. Martin. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 24, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Forest Grove Baptist Church, 22575 NW 94th Ave., with Pastor Warren Chesser officiating. A one hour visitation will be held prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Forest Grove Cemetery in Alachua, which was donated by his great-grandparents. Arrangements are entrusted to Forest Meadows Funeral Home, Cemeteries and Crematory. Please sign our guestbook at: www.forestmeadowsfh.com .