Billy Gordon “Bill” Martin
Billy Gordon “Bill” Martin went to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday August 12, 2020, surrounded by his family who loved him and who he loved so dearly.
Bill was born in Ruston, LA, on November 21, 1931, the son of James William (J.W.) and Hattie May (Simonton) Martin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Leonard H. Martin, father and mother in-law Aaron and Clavis Wiltcher, brother in-law Aaron Junior Wiltcher and sister in-law Barbara Wiltcher.
Bill was a graduate of Ruston High School. On March 1, 1949, he married the love of his life Christine “Chris” Wiltcher. Bill served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict.
After returning to the states he attended and graduated Common Wealth College of Mortuary Science in Houston, TX. Bill and Chris returned to Ruston where he continued his work in this field for many years and he and Chris raised their family.
Bill was also a cattle rancher for over 20 years. In his later years he worked for Ana-Lab Corporation of Kilgore, TX where many of his clients looked forward to his visits and having coffee with him.
Declining health led Bill to retire, but he continued to maintain a positive attitude and strong will until his passing. Bill was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church and a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge of Ruston.
Bill’s family who will miss him dearly and carry his love for them in their hearts are his wife Chris, his son Mike (Vicki) Martin of Simsboro, his daughter Marti (Tim) Garlington of Calhoun; grandchildren: Jason (Julie) Martin of Benton, Rob Martin and fiancé Christina Thiels of Bossier City, Michael-Anne and Garrett Garlington of Calhoun; great grandchildren: Hannah and Grayson Martin of Benton; step grandchildren: Justin (Holly) Sain of Bossier City, Brian Sain of Baton Rouge; step great grandchildren: Morgan and Macy Sain of Bossier City; sisters: Mary (James) Dugdale of Sibley, Bettye Ruth (Ted) James of Albuquerque, NM; sister in-law Betty Jean Martin of Ruston; brother in-law Roy Wiltcher of Ruston along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 11a.m., Saturday August 15, 2020, at Vienna Cemetery in Vienna, LA, under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Jason Martin, Rob Martin, Tim Garlington, Garrett Garlington, Tommy Wiltcher, Scott Martin, Steve Martin, Stacy Martin, Phillip Martin, and Pat Ball.
The family would like to thank the Ruston EMS personnel and the emergency department of Northern Louisiana Medical Center for their care and kindness in this difficult time.
The family request in lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.
To leave an online message for the family, please visit www. owensmemorialfuneralhome.com.
