William Martin Jr.

Our Dad, William H. "Bill" Martin, Jr. age 93, with family at his side passed away peacefully into eternal life, on June 5, 2019, at Hospice of Texarkana. He was born on April 5, 1926, in LaFeria, TX, to William H. and Ada Marie (Murphy) Martin. He was a lifelong resident of Texarkana. He was a devout Christian and member of Beech Street Baptist Church. He graduated from North Heights High School. He attended the University of Arkansas. He deferred his education to serve his country proudly in the Navy during WWII stationed on the USS LaSalle and again in the Army during Korea. He returned to graduate from U of A with a degree in Veterinary Science. He was the quintessential salesman. He began his career in veterinary sales with Tyson Foods working along side founder John W. Tyson. He worked selling vet supplies to the chicken farmers throughout the Ark-La-Tx area, until he retired from Vineland Labs in 1991. He was involved in many organizations including The VFW, The Rotary Club, The Lions Club, The Gideons, prison ministry, and Sunday school teacher. He loved to be outdoors especially with a fishing pole and a boat on the water. He was well known for his catfish and BBQ chicken parties. He enjoyed entertaining and being around people. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Blanche, his precious daughter Rachel, great-grandson Jackson; his brothers Robert, Amos; sisters Allene and Jean. He also leaves behind numerous nieces,nephews,cousins, and friends. He is survived by sons Joshua and wife Freddie Martin of Tucson, AZ; Billy R. and wife Valerie of Allen, TX. Grandchildren Carla and Kelly Wood, Jimmy and Tiffany Hall, Aaron, Joshua, Jeremiah, Austin, and Broderick Martin. Great-grandchildren Ely Fisher, Jason, Cameron, Carson Wood, and Olivia Martin. The services will be at Texarkana Funeral Home, 4801 Parkway Dr. Texarkana, AR. on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 2:00p.m. Visitation is from 12:00 to 2:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery. Memorial donations made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation and The Gideons. He was loved by many people and will be greatly missed. Well done good and faithful servant. Register online at www.texarkanafuneralhome.com.