A Georgia husband fatally shot his wife before turning his gun on himself in front of their family in a horror murder-suicide in their rural home. 

Richard Holladay, 52, murdered his wife Martha Holladay, 43, at their sprawling property in Johns Creek, Georgia on Sunday night, with their three sons still inside, police said. 

Police were called to the home shortly before midnight after receiving reports of a 'domestic incident' when one of the couple's teenage sons called 911.

Officers were met outside by one of the couple's sons, who said an altercation between his parents escalated into gunfire earlier that night. 

Inside the home both Richard and Martha were found dead. 

Police said they believe Richard shot and killed his wife before taking his own life, and both were determined to have died from gunshot wounds to the head. 

Authorities said the children were put in the custody of their relatives, and added that the investigation into the deaths remains open.

Tributes poured in for Martha following news of her death, as she was described as an 'incredible woman who loved her children fiercely.'

Martha Holladay was a member of the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and the institution said in a tribute on social media that it was 'devastated' by her murder. 

'Martha was a beautiful and talented professional who created and led Chamber events with a passion to make our members feel happy and connected,' the chamber said in an Instagram post.

The institution said Martha's colleagues 'remember her as a woman of great faith and positivity who was deeply empathetic and always pouring into others.'

'She left a lasting impact on all of us,' the group said. 'We mourn her untimely death and pray for her sons who she loved deeply and with all her heart.' 

Her friend Kara Davis added in a tribute that Martha 'was an incredible woman and mother who loved her children and Jesus fiercely.'

'She gave so much to everyone around her and had an infectious loving and positive spirit,' she wrote.

'She will be missed greatly.'