Obituary: Martin Schneider

Martin Schneider of Dunwoody passed away Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016, at the age of 79.

He was born in Dallas, Texas, the son of Harry and Sarah Schneider. He attended SMU, graduating with a degree in industrial engineering.

He became a sales representative for Mattel Toys at the company’s inception rising to sales manager for the southeast. As an auto racing enthusiast, he convinced the company to sponsor a car in Trans Am racing, the Hot Wheels Camaro, which won first place in its first race. He and his wife, Barbara, and sons, Eric and Hal, followed the car on the circuit, and the couple also attended Formula One racing. A family tradition was for Martin, Eric and Hal to get up early on the weekend to watch races shown on TV. Martin drove a Corvette for many years and later drove a BMW.

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Martin’s other interests were World War II military history, Winston Churchill, tennis and golf. He believed in physical fitness and worked out regularly on a punching bag and speed bag in the garage and at a gym.

An active member of Temple Sinai, Martin and the late Judge Joel Feldman started a men’s club, which later became the Brotherhood. The group held breakfasts with speakers, and a series of New Year’s Eve parties with dinner and dancing. He also volunteered with Temple Sinai’s USO group organizing the volunteers and helping serve meals. He arranged for the Falcons cheerleaders to entertain the troops over the Christmas holidays and gave footballs to the troops to take on their missions.

As a toy salesman, he organized the representatives from other toy companies to hold annual auctions of their samples to raise money for Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital, now part of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Over several years, the group raised enough to furnish a room.

Martin delighted in his grandchildren, Nate, Andy and Evelyn Schneider, but unfortunately did not meet baby Addie. He could not decide on his grandfather name and said the children would name him. As Martin liked the “Rocky” movies, he’d call people with “Yo!” and that became his name.

A family graveside service was held Wednesday, Aug. 10, at Arlington Memorial Park, Rabbi Ron Segal officiating, followed at Temple Sinai by a memorial service and shiva. Shiva also was held on Thursday at Barbara’s home, Rabbi Brad Levenberg officiating. Martin also will be missed by his daughters-in-law, Suzanne Schneider and Katherine Schneider, nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.