William Thomas Martin

Martin, William Thomas (Bill), 84, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2020 after an 18-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. He is now at home with his Heavenly Father. A Godly man, he was also a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Bill was born in Anderson, SC on March 15th,1936 to the late Jim Ben Martin and the late Onie Dillard Martin, one of 5 children. Bill married his bride of 63 years, Sandra Appy Crittendon, of Calhoun Falls, SC, on February 3rd, 1957. Together they raised their five daughters in an atmosphere of love and nurture, teaching them always to honor and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

Bill began a distinguished career in government service when he joined the USMC in 1953 and rose to the rank of Sergeant. He then served in the Federal Aviation Administration for 38 years, retiring with the rank of GM-15.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his four siblings, James Martin, Richard Martin, Marion (Mirney) Martin, and Ellen Martin Chrisley. He was also predeceased by a beloved son-in-law, Dr. D. Kevin Bell.

Bill is survived by his wife Sandra and by his five daughters and their spouses: Mindy (Mark) Thompson of Franklinton, NC; Melanie Bell of Wake Forest, NC; Merri (Jim) Schermerhorn of Wake Forest, NC; Mave (Matt) Walter of Tampa, FL, and Michelle Lee of Cary, NC. He is also survived by 16 much-loved grandchildren and numerous extended family members.

Bill and Sandra were dedicated members of Bay Leaf Baptist Church for many years. Due to our current situation with COVID-19, a private graveside family-only funeral will be held at Bay Leaf Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to Bay Leaf Baptist Church Missions Fund c/o Bay Leaf Baptist Church, 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27614 or online at http://www.bayleaf.org/give and then select “Give in honor of”. Memorial donations can also be made to Tampa Muslim Outreach 218 Bearss Ave. #346, Tampa, FL 33613 or online at https://tampamuslimoutreach.com/.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.brightfunerals.com or sent to Sandra Martin, c/o Cadence at Wake Forest 3218 Heritage Trade Dr, Wake Forest, NC 27587.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.