Martin Jennings III, 68: Rug Shop, Barrier Island Collection Store Owner

Martin Jennings III, 68, Atlanta, passed away Dec. 20, 2013.

A true character and fun-loving husband, father and friend, Jennings was born in Hickory, NC to Lena Giles Jennnings and Martin Jennings. He attended Hickory High School and was a graduate of N.C. State.

Martin and Kathy Teaque Jennings, his wife of 37 years, owned the 79th St. Rug Shop in Buckhead, which was a Southeastern destination for gorgeous rugs, great style and congregations of many friends. After the store's closing in 2008, he opened Barrier Island Collection where his ingenous designs were loved by interior designers and families alike. His well-designed rugs received countless credits in home magazines nationwide.

Growing up, he enjoyed fishing on the North Carolina coast with his family and later found the love of Captiva Island, FL, where he could be found boating, island hoping, shelling and entertaining with his large group of friends. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Teague Jenning originally from Raleigh, NC; daughter, Jena Jennings Young (Steve); grandchildren, Hailey Young, and Talbot Young, all who live in Atlanta.

A memorial service will be Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013 at 10 a.m. with the family receiving friends 30 minutes prior to the service at H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd. NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to ASPCA.