William Martin

William Eugene Martin, who is known to many simply as Bill passed on August 8, 2025 at 3:00Am. Born November 23, 1931, in South Carolina, Bill was the beloved son of Mandy Lou Ligon Martin and Albert Inman Martin, and later, the stepson of Grace Greene Martin.

Bill's life was one of curiosity, and adventure. As a boy, he loved exploring the woods around York, Gaffney, and Baltimore, and spending cherished vacations on his aunt and uncle's farm. He played football and graduated from Kenwood High School in 1947, a young man ready to meet the world with determination and spirit.

In 1949, at just 18 years old, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, beginning a distinguished military career. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was stationed in Okinawa and Japan during the post-World War II years. Rising through the ranks with honor, he graduated from the NCO Academy, earned the Commandant's Award, and was decorated with the Air Force Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1992.

After his military career, Bill continued to grow, learn, and achieve. He became a systems engineer, graduating from the Banking Business School at the University of New Hampshire and the Center for Executive Development at Arizona State University. But he also made time to chase his dreams, one of his proudest being his two-year sailing adventure down the intercoastal waterway beginning in 1992.

Bill's personal life had just as many rich memories as his military career. He married Jeanne Slofman in 1951, and later, in 1979, he married Mary Jane Britton Quick. Together, these unions welcomed three children-Inman David Martin, Janet Grace Martin, and Leslie Elaine Martin Pollesche-and four stepchildren-Glenn Erman Quick, Julia Marie Quick, Christopher Matthew Quick, and Jeanne Marie Quick. He was also a proud grandfather to Casey, Danielle, Travis, Randy, Michael, Connor, Lisa, and Matt, and was fortunate to meet his great-grandson, Dawson.

Outside of work and family, Bill was a man of many passions. He loved building electronics and model airplanes, hunting and camping, and he found joy in exploring the world through books as an avid reader. His wide range of interests reflected a curious mind and a restless spirit, always eager to learn, create, and experience life more deeply.

To the world, he was known as a father, a soldier, a Christian, and a man who carried honor, integrity, and the respect of all who worked with him. But to his family, he was known as a Dad, a husband, and a friend. He was a man who, in countless ways, shaped lives, supported thoughts, and lifted expectations. His strength and consistency will live on through his family.