Martin Ray Van Valkenburgh (SSG, US Army,

SSG Martin Ray Van Valkenburgh (United States Army, retired), 67, passed away at Candler Hospital Tuesday, January 8, 2019, with his wife by his side.

He was born in Sidney, NY, and was a resident of Liberty County for over 32 years.  A Vietnam and Desert Storm Veteran, Sergeant Van Valkenburgh served as an infantryman and heavy- and light-wheeled mechanic, before retiring with more than 20 years of service.  He was a master mechanic and worked for the Hinesville Police Department, Savannah Toyota, and, finally, on Fort Stewart as a government contractor.  Marty loved working on cars and enjoyed fishing and collecting stamps, coins, and model cars.  On the weekends, he was a regular at Keller’s Flea Market, where he manned his own booth for several years. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Van Valkenburgh, mother, Lillian Colburn, and stepfather, Kenneth Colburn.

Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Sung Hui Van Valkenburgh; three daughters, Rebecca Taul of Raleigh, NC, 1SG (US Army) Jennifer Williams (LTC Kenneth Smedley, US Army, ret.) of Monument, CO, Maj (US Air Force) Tereca V. Benton (Darius Burkes) of Burkburnett, TX;  grandchildren, Jessica Mae Williams, Jamie Lynn Williams, Jacob Kaleb Izaiah Benton, Halie Sung Hui Karlen, Kalen Jamal Smedley, and Jayden Lamar Smedley; great-grandchildren, Aaron, Jalen, and Conner; and two “grandpups” - Pikka and Ruby.

Graveside Services with Full Military Honors will begin at 2pm, Thursday, January 17, 2019, at Hinesville Cemetery. 

Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.carteroglethorpe.com.