Born on December 16, 1975, he was the son of Dean and Linda Martin.
He married the love of his life, Jessica Pate, on September 28, 2002, and together they had two children, Chase Bradley, and Riley Elizabeth. Family was very important to Brad, and he was a devoted husband and father. When he wasn’t working, Brad enjoyed reading, camping, and just going for a “ride” with the family. Brad, along with his family, attended Crosspoint Church of North Crestview.
Brad graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in Ft. Walton Beach, FL in 1994. Even while dealing with the effects of Pulmonary Hypertension Brad was able to have a very successful career and made a tremendous impact on those who worked with him.
After graduating from the University of South Alabama in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Brad begun his lifelong career of developing new warhead technologies for the Air Force. After working briefly for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems in Niceville, FL, Brad joined the research staff with the Air Force Research Laboratory, Munitions Directorate at Eglin AFB, FL in June of 2002. Over his nearly 18-year career with AFRL, Brad conducted numerous research projects investigating the physics of high-speed penetration, the development of novel manufacturing techniques for fabricating warheads capable of penetrating hard targets, and development of advanced testing technologies for assessing advanced warhead designs. In addition to his own research, Brad collaborated with many colleagues throughout DoD including the Army, Navy, and Defense Threat Reduction Agency and supported major programs for the USAF Space and Missile Command and OSD.
While at AFRL, Brad obtained a Master of Science degree in 2007 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 2011 both from the University of Florida in the field of Mechanical Engineering. Additionally, Brad collaborated extensively with numerous research universities including the University of Florida, Purdue University, and Southern Methodist University. Brad published his research in over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, scientific publications, and conferences and symposiums. Brad was considered an expert in dynamic material behavior and served as a technical reviewer for several scientific and engineering technical journals. While at AFRL, Brad led an effort to construct a state-of-the-art laboratory to research high-rate geomechanics which was used by numerous students seeking advanced degrees. In addition to his own research, Brad had a passion for mentoring younger colleagues and graduate students throughout his career.
One of Brad’s last programs at AFRL was to lead a multi-million dollar demonstration program to develop advanced warhead technologies which, after competition, was selected by AFLCMC as the solution for an urgent operational need identified by the warfighter. In 2020, Brad transferred to AFLCMC as a Senior Systems Development Engineer to technically mature his warhead concept which resulted in a quick transition of the BLU-140 warhead to the warfighter. As a result, Brad and his team were awarded the AFLCMC Annual Engineering Excellence and General Bernard P. Randolph Engineering team awards. In addition, Brad was the lead engineer on the new shock-hardened fuze technology and provided technical expertise to resolve manufacturing and safety issues on a legacy AF warhead. Brad was also the AF lead for a joint program with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency to address a deficiency in the AF mission planning tools for rock penetration.
Overall, Brad’s career with the AF is having a tremendous positive impact for our warfighter ranging from advanced computation modeling to the design of AF’s advanced penetrating weapon systems.
Brad is survived by his wife and children of Crestview; his father Dean (Pat) Martin of Crestview; his mother Linda Martin of Shalimar; his sister Ashley Martin of Ft. Walton Beach; father-in-law and mother- in-law, Tom and Cheryl Pate of Rowsburg, OH; brother-in-law Adam Pate of Cleveland, OH; and nephews Jacob Martin and Elijah Pate.
Visitation hours for Brad will be held at Brackney Funeral Service, 480 E. James Blvd, Crestview, FL 32539, on Tuesday, December 5, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 6, at Crosspoint Church, North Crestview, 6268 Old Bethel Road, Crestview, FL 32536 at 11:30 am.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date in Rowsburg, OH, where he will be laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers the family would like you to consider making a donation to Red Mountain Grace, the non-profit organization that was responsible for providing Brad and his family with furnished housing during their multiple extended stays in Birmingham, AL. Donations can be made by visiting www.redmountaingrace.com/brad.
Crosspoint Church North
Brackney Funeral Service
Kenneth Boylan
December 3, 2023, 8:44 am
Hi Jessica
Our deepest condolences to you,the kids and all of the family
The loss of a great young man father and good family man too early in life and may God be with you all in this time of sadness
Sincerely
Tom & Emma Boylan
Katie Buttrey
December 3, 2023, 1:56 pm
Michael and I are so sorry for the loss and the pain that you and your wonderful family are going through. We have no words that can bring you peace during this time but please know that we are sending prayers and all of our love to you and the kids. Brad will be missed and he left everyone that knew him a better person.
Verna Greer
December 3, 2023, 3:13 pm
Wow. Such an in-depth and powerful career he had. I did not know him, but do know his father Dean and Pat and learned of the tremendous health battle he endured. So much he contributed. Such a loss and remembering those he is so very much loved by. 💔
Don & Linda Schendel
December 3, 2023, 4:17 pm
We are heartbroken to learn about Brad’s passing and pray for God to give you comfort and strength. We were so fortunate to know Brad and always felt like he was family.
Don Martin family
December 4, 2023, 12:38 am
So very sorry for your loss. Jessica you and your children will be in our prayers.
Dan Brubaker
December 4, 2023, 1:39 am
I only knew Brad from work and not socially outside of work. However, I enjoyed working with him in AFRL/MN till I retired From the first time I met Brad I knew he a real asset to the DoD. His knowledge, critical thinking skills and especially his integrity made working with him a joy. His friendly disposition hid his tenacity for truth that was often revealed when rebutting govt programs that he knew were lacking justification. How I wish the lab was full of men like Brad. He has made a significant impact on people and programs he touched. My deep condolences to his family he was a very special man and definitely one of the “good ones”
Crawley Donna
December 4, 2023, 2:59 am
I am so sorry to hear about Brad. We knew each other from Shalimar Baptist Crossover group. Brad was so sweet and was always smiling. He will be truly missed.
Donna Hartzog Crawley
Lisa Ausley
December 4, 2023, 1:01 pm
The Crosspoint family will miss Brad. We praise God for his life and his amazing career. God used him in amazing ways. May his legacy live on through Jessica, Chase and Riley.
Acentria and Shara
December 4, 2023, 2:11 pm
Our condolences to you Jessica and your children Chase and Riley. I loved reading about Brad and how much he contributed to your family and our country. Although he left way too early he left a lasting legacy that you can all be so very proud of. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
J Denney
December 4, 2023, 3:14 pm
Our prayers are with the Martin family in this time of profound loss. Sincerely, Jan Denney and Richard & Mary Szczepanski.
Sue C Yearwood
December 4, 2023, 3:25 pm
Prayers for peace and comfort in the many good memories.
Sue Yearwood
Daniel and Chau Vu
December 4, 2023, 3:31 pm
Jess,
It is often hard to find the right words at a time like this. Brad was a dear friend, and he will be dearly missed.
Wishing you the best and know you have our full support in every moment.
Crosspoint, North Crestview
December 4, 2023, 4:18 pm
Your kind soul and warm smile will be missed. We are blessed to have had the time we had with you, Brad. We promise to be the church that loves and keeps your family cared for. Thank you, Jesus, for giving Brad to us for as long as you did. We were blessed to be a part of his journey. Our deepest condolences to the whole family.
Jill and Greg Tharp
December 4, 2023, 4:54 pm
Jessica, Chase,& Riley
Brad and you all, will always be part of “our family “ . You know how precious you all are to us. We were so lucky to have known Brad and spent time with him. We have wonderful memories. Brad accomplished so much both at home and in his career. May God continue to be with you all. Love , Jill and Greg
Brittany Bohannon
December 4, 2023, 5:31 pm
Deepest condolences to the whole family. Brad was an amazing person to know and very kind and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Praying for the whole family.
James
December 4, 2023, 6:27 pm
Ma’am, I would like to pass on my condolences to you and your family. I only worked with Brad for a little while, but he was a great man and he will be missed.
James
Pam Pitchford
December 4, 2023, 8:10 pm
I worked with Brad at AFRL on several programs. He was a joy to work with and a huge asset to the organization. I was fortunate to run into him recently and he had a smile on his face. He will certainly be missed. Our deepest condolences to the entire family. We will keep you in our prayers.
Dean Revell
December 5, 2023, 2:00 pm
I knew Brad for a very short time, but in that time I was able to see the great person that he was. He had a strong desire to help the younger generation of engineers gain experience and feel like they were an important part of the Air Force mission. In the few conversations that we had, I could clearly feel the love that he had for his family and the passion he had for is work. My condolences to the his family and friends. I wish I would have had more time to work with and learn from him.
Amy Tolar
December 5, 2023, 2:03 pm
My deepest condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of Dr. Bradley Martin. At AFRL, he was such a wonderful person to work with – always helpful and very kind. May the Lord comfort you during this very difficult time.
Maika Andrew
December 5, 2023, 3:28 pm
I met Brad in EBD and remember him as a kind person, offering a smile to those he interacted with. It is comforting to know he knew our Lord. I am praying for his family. May God’s love envelope you all and carry you at this very difficult time.
The Sungail's
December 5, 2023, 4:46 pm
Our prayers are with you. Jessica, Chase, and Riley may the Lord comfort your hearts during this time.
Tony Roy
December 5, 2023, 7:20 pm
Condolences to the entire Martin Family, during this difficult period. Our thoughts and prayers are with you for stregth and comfort. – Tony Roy
Sally Wiley
December 5, 2023, 7:30 pm
I did not know Brad personally, but knew of him through his family in Rowsburg where I grew up knowing them. I am so very sorry to learn of the passing of this great man. My sincere condolences to Jessica, their children and all the family. Sally Wiley
David and Joyce Crabill
December 5, 2023, 8:20 pm
To the Martin family, prayers and thoughts and may the precious memories be with you as you mourn the loss of your loved one.
Lindsey Smith
December 5, 2023, 8:47 pm
All of my love to Jessica, Chase and Riley. What a gift to have crossed paths with the Martin family. Started as strangers, and now friends for all the days to come. Brad was a gift to so many and I am humbled I got to call him friend.
Scott Blouin
December 5, 2023, 10:26 pm
Dear Jessica, I and my DTRA colleagues who have worked with Brad over many years are heartbroken to learn he has passed. He has been an inspiration for us all; not only because of his technical and leadership skills, but more importantly his kind, insightful, and loving spirit. Despite the unimaginable burdens he endured, he is one of the most upbeat and optimistic persons I have ever met. We are all blessed to have been part of his life. May God bless you and your family through these difficult days and throughout your lives,
Scott Blouin
Brad
December 6, 2023, 12:37 am
I had the honor of working with Brad on several projects over the years. He was a National Treasure. His ideas and designs were amazing. They affected many of the projects in our division. I was fortunate to get night time calls about problems he was working on and then we would share personal thoughts of life and family. It was such and honor to know and work with Brad. God Bless. Rest in peace
Victoria Pearson
December 6, 2023, 7:26 am
Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to all of Brad’s family and friends. It was such a pleasure getting to know and work with him these last few months. He was a kind and humble man who was passionate about engineering and helping others. He was a great asset to the SiAW family and will be truly missed. I pray the God of all comfort will grant you peace in the difficult days ahead.
David Lambert
December 6, 2023, 5:05 pm
An amazing friend, colleague and brother in many ways. He left an impact on the country’s ability to defend the people. He left an impression on many in how to face life’s grandest challenges. He was beloved and we are so thankful to have had him on our team and in our work family.
Donna Horton
December 6, 2023, 5:21 pm
Linda and Family,
Brad has lived his life using his talents, intellect and wisdom to help our country and the world. He has blessed many friends, family and colleagues because he loved, cared and helped others with humility and kindness. As a mother, I pray this brings you great comfort; and knowing that he knew Jesus bring you peace. I love you and will be praying for you and his family. Donna Horton
P. Sean
December 8, 2023, 12:56 am
I worked with Brad for a couple years as a Lieutenant. He was one of the most intelligent and humble people I’ve ever met and he was a pleasure to work with. When I think about my time at Eglin he’s one of the faces that come to mind. I’m sad to hear our paths won’t cross again. My deepest condolences to his family.
John Simien
December 8, 2023, 6:14 pm
I know him since Shalimar Elementary. Very awesome to read how far he took himself after high school. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends he leaves behind. As he was a great asset on earth so shall he be in heaven. Rest Peacefully Brad!!
Thomas R Whittemire
December 22, 2023, 12:29 pm
Our prayers to the entire family