William Roderick Martin

Greensboro - William Roderick Martin fell asleep in death on Monday, December 14, 2020 in his home with his family near. He shared forty-one years of beautiful marriage with wife, Dianna Caldwell Martin. Born on April 22, 1951, William was a welcomed addition to his mother, Doris Russell and father, Marvin Maurice Martin. He grew up in Durham, North Carolina with his brother, Leonard; his grandmother, Gertrude Bynum; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He graduated from Hillside High School before moving to Greensboro to study engineering at NC A&T. There he learned scriptural truth when he began studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses. He was baptized in 1972 and left the university to pursue a career in full-time service. He devoted his entire life to his God, Jehovah, and had the privilege of serving as a pioneer and congregation elder for many years. In 2018, he retired from secular work and spent each day caring for his granddaughter. He truly enjoyed having a family and spending time with them, as well as recreation with friends. He was an avid musician and played many instruments from piano to bass guitar, but the drums were his favorite. Many enjoyed hearing him sing harmony with the kingdom songs at weekly congregation meetings. He was a very intelligent, witty, and resourceful person but he will be remembered most for his love, patience, and kindness.

William is survived by his wife, Dianna; daughters, Lai'Anna and Brittany (Green); son-in-law, Japheth Green; granddaughters, Micah, Naomi, and Sydney; his brother, Leonard; nieces, Nina and Taprice; second cousin, Corinthia Barber; other relatives and numerous friends. He was proceeded in death by his grandmother, Gertrude Bynum; both parents, Doris Russell and Marvin Maurice Martin; twelve aunts and uncles; and many close friends, including his dear friend, Michael Tilghman. William believed in God's promise of a resurrection as recorded in His word, the Bible, at Acts 24:15 where it says: "I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." He died knowing he will see his loved ones again very soon.

From the Family

We cannot begin to express how much we appreciate all the love and support provided by the Forest Oaks Congregation, our friends, and family. A special thanks goes to AuthoraCare Collective and Advantage Funeral & Cremations for their kind and professional care during this difficult time.