Willie E. "Fat Man" Martin

Willie E. “Fat Man” Martin, 76, of Rockford, passed away January 31, 2015. Born September 13, 1938 in Dawson, GA; he was the son of Edgar and Lillie Mae (Lane) Martin. He married Enola “Gay” McFaddin on January 7, 1967 in Rockford.

A Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Willie retired from Chrysler Belvidere Assembly Plant after 35 years of employment. He was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, where he became a minister of Jehovah in 2009. He was also a member of the United Auto Workers Union.

An accomplished photographer, Willie enjoyed working alongside his mother at Rock Vale Teen Home, caring for differently-abled teenagers. He fostered a love of computers in the children of Chrysler employees through training and education. Blessed with amazing athleticism, Willie was selected to play basketball for the U.S. Marines and occasionally toured with the Harlem Globetrotters.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Gay Martin; children, Robin (Charles) Gregory, Sonia (Ateeq) Martin-Ahmed, and Shannon (Tony) Roebuck; grandchildren, Connie Gregory and Anthony Roebuck III; 3 great-grandchildren; brothers, Nate (Marge), Jack (Gerry), John (Charlyne) and David Martin; sister, Edith Martin-Allen; numerous nieces and nephews.

Willie was predeceased by his parents.

Funeral service 2 p.m. Saturday, February 7th, at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park; Donald Peach officiating. Visitation will commence one hour prior to service. Online condolences may be submitted at sunsetfhmemgardens.com