Mr. William J. Martin Sr.

He was born October 17, 1930 in Charlotte, North Carolina the son of the late William Milton Martin and Estelle Smith Martin. He is preceded in death by his sisters; Rebecca Abernethy, Frances Osborne, Kathleen Gibson, Joyce Stilwell and nephew, Frank Abernethy.

Bill worked for Gulf Life Ins. Co. and Southland Ins. Co. and family business, W.M. Martin Transfer. In 1957 he joined the Charlotte Fire Department where he was an Engineer and active in organizing the firemen’s union, to which he was the first president. After a 22 year career and faithful service with the fire department he began a business buying and selling antiques and “junk”. Bill really enjoyed his flea market business and his friends. His business card read, “Wild Bill is my name and trading is my game.” He was a member of Belmont Park Methodist Church (now University City).

He will be remembered most by the legacy of love he left for his family and the time and fun he shared with his grandchildren whom he loved deeply.

Surviving are his loving wife, Rebecca Lewis Martin; daughters, Vicki Martin of Washington, DC and Boone, NC, Dawn Bates (Lee) of Marshville, NC, Retta Clontz (David) of Monroe, NC, Natalie Sivek (Marc) of Traverse City, MI, and Machelle Martin of Charlotte, NC; sons William J. Martin, Jr. (Laura) of Charlotte, NC and Michael Martin (Amy) of Greenville, SC; grandchildren Niki Collins, Kegan Callahan, Chelsey Bates, Travis, Reece and Hannah Sivek, Blake Ammons, Sam Peebly, Stephen, Rachel, Johanna, Jonathan, Caitlin, Ember and Logan Martin; brother, Robert Martin(Sandra); and numerous, brother and sister- in- laws, nieces and nephews.