MARIETTA, Ga. — Floyd Martin delivered the mail in Marietta for nearly 35 years. But he did so much more.
The dogs and cats on his route could always count on him for a treat. Little kids knew he was always good for a lollipop.
“His presence and smile are such an integral part of our 28 years here,” said Trish Nicolas, one of hundreds of neighbors who turned out for a huge block party in his honor.
He’d bring the mail inside and visit a minute when a sleep-deprived new mom was juggling laundry and diapers. He’d bring in the newspaper along with the mail so his elderly clients wouldn’t have to walk to the ends of their driveways.
Amanda Seals recalled meeting Martin as a new college graduate, when she was living with her grandmother.
“Dementia has set in, and she doesn't see well anymore, but she still knows Floyd,” Seals said.
Martin’s route includes about 500 houses, and many people on his route decorated their mailboxes as a surprise on his last day. Once his final shift was over, everyone gathered for a block party in his honor.
“I’m so filled with joy right now,” he said.