William Franklin Martin

William Franklin Martin, 88, of Marion, Alabama, passed away April 30, 2026, at Hospice of West Alabama.

Services were held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Waycross Bible Methodist Church in Marion, Alabama, with Bro. Randall Crotts officiating and Magnolia Chapel South directing. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Visitation was held at the church one hour prior to the service.

Preceded in Death By

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Sadie Martin; brothers, Joe Martin, James Martin, John Martin, Ward Martin, Earl Martin, and David Martin; sister, Sadie Lee Hunter; and great-grandson, Kayce Wade Henry.

Survivors

Survivors include his wife, Agnes M. Martin; daughters, Melissa Henry (Mac) and Marlene Thomas (Kevin); son, William Martin (Kathleen); sisters, Mary Alice Fosters, Shirley Brownlow, and Margaret Ann Bates; grandchildren, Trey Henry (Danielle), Wesley Henry (Sarah), Ashley Thomas (Allen), Marshall Thomas (Rae), Houston Martin, and Gabriel Martin; and great-grandchildren, Mac Henry, Caulder Henry, Hamner Henry, Emersyn Henry, Adam Thomas, and Maggie Thomas.

Life and Legacy

William “Bill” was born in Hale County, Alabama, on October 3, 1937. He attended Moundville School and joined the Army Reserves during his high school years. He was called from reserve duty on May 11, 1955, and served for two years. He was honorably discharged on May 10, 1957.

He met Agnes Monts in 1957, and they married on November 12, 1960. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past November 12, 2025. Together they had three children—two daughters and one son—as well as six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He was an active member of Waycross Bible Methodist Church for sixty-five years and served on many boards and committees at the church over the years. He was an avid Alabama football fan, but he enjoyed being with his family most of all. He loved them each very much, and they all felt the same about him.

Pallbearers

Pallbearers were Trey Henry, Wesley Henry, Marshall Thomas, Allen Langham, Houston Martin, Gabriel Martin, Mac Henry, Caulder Henry, Hamner Henry, Emersyn Henry, Ashley Thomas, Rae Thomas, Adam Thomas, Maggie Thomas, Danielle Henry, and Sarah Henry.

Honorary Pallbearers

Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Scott Fulgham and staff (Tuscaloosa Internal Medicine); Dr. Shekar and staff (Tuscaloosa Lung Critical Care); Dr. Geoffrey Alilanu and staff (Davita); Dr. Shah and Dr. Lewis and staff (Cardivascular Care of Alabama); and the doctors and staff at DCH Regional Medical Center.