Obituary of William Franklin Martin

The Martin family wishes to announce the passing of their patriarch, Mr. William Franklin Martin.  Our Christian brother went to meet his redeemer in the early morning of Saturday, May 4, 2019.  Funeral Service will be Wednesday, May 8^th at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Family Heritage Funeral Home, with Bro. Robby Kirkham officiating.  Visitation will be Monday, May 6^th from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 7^th from 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., and Wednesday May 8^th from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m.  Interment will follow the service at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, with his sons honoring him as pallbearers.

 Mr. Martin was born in the Angeltown community on May 28, 1929 to the late Carrie Belle (Wells) Martin and Walter Talmadge Martin.  He was the proud father of two daughters and eight sons.  He was a member of the Rock Bridge Missionary Baptist Church.  He very much loved farming and rural life and was an exceptional gardener.  An avid woodworker and music lover, he could play many instruments.  Above all, he was a passionate family man.

                In addition to his father and mother, Mr. Martin was preceded in death by four sisters, Ruby Pauline (Martin) Anderson (and husband Mr. William Elbert Anderson), Julia Corinne (Martin) Walker, (and husband Mr. James Howard Walker), Winona Alice Martin, Annie Louise (Martin) Sherron, (and husband Mr. Garland Edward Sherron); and one brother, Vernon Talmadge Martin.  He was also preceded in death by several beloved in-laws, Mr. Leroy Troutt, Mr. Lawrence Durham, Jr and wife Maxine, Mr. George Carter and wife Ruth, sister-in-law, Margaret Durham, and brother-in-law, Mr. Allen Pryor.

                Mr. Martin leaves behind his loving wife of more than 70 years, Mrs. Nila Jean (Durham) Martin of Portland.  He is survived by one sister, Betty Sue (Martin) Troutt of Gallatin and several in-laws, Mr. Billy R. Durham of Gallatin, Wilma Frances "Peggy" Pryor of Gallatin, Mr. Alton Durham and wife Linda of Gallatin.  He is survived by all ten of his loving children, Barbara Jean (Martin) Kirkham and husband Larry E. Kirkham of Gallatin, James Franklin Martin of Gallatin, Gary Michael Martin and wife Donna L. (Sanders) Martin of Portland, Randy David Martin and wife Sharon M. (Horton) Martin of Portland, Donald Elbert Martin of Portland, Tracy Allen Martin and wife Hannah G. (Heatherly) Martin of Gallatin, Kenneth Wayne Martin of Portland, Lisa G. Canary of Portland, Danny Ray Martin and wife Tiffany D. (Roberts) Martin of Portland, Kevin Scott Martin and wife Tina (Fatolitis) Martin of Portland.  He was also survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Christopher and Heather Martin (Andy and Brandon), Jennifer and Jerry Wright, Lori Kallenberger, Cynthia Martin, Kristen and Blair Bunn, Holly and Michael Stahl (Hudson and Farrah), Travis and Catherine Martin (Ariel and Addie Jo), Shane and Stephanie Martin (Seth, Audry, and Noah), Allyson and Timmy Choate (Trevor, Nila and Levi), Misty and Matt Drone (Connor and Elliot), Zachary and Savanna Martin (Remington and Rowan), and Alex and Rachel Martin.

                Mr. Martin was also loved by his extended family, many cousins, nephews and neices, too numerous to mention here, many who have preceded him in death.

Online condolences may be submitted at familyheritagefh.com.  Family Heritage Funeral Home has been honored with arrangements.