- Date Of Death: May 11, 2023
- State: Ohio
William Joseph Martin aka “Billy” was born on October 22, 1946 to the late Robert A. Martin, Sr. and Sadie S Martin in Columbus, Ohio. He was the younger of two brother, Robert A. Martin, Jr. (who proceeds him in death). William was a product of the Columbus Public School system, and a graduate of Marion Franklin High School. He later advanced his education by earning a Bachelor degree in Graphic Arts from the Bradford Institute, Columbus, Ohio. William also was a certified Lay-Counselor through the Worthington Grace Brethren Church. For many years, William served also a foster parent, through various organizations. He retired from the Columbus Defense Supply Center (DCSC) after 33 years of service.
William was a skilled, anointed musician, who began playing at age 7 years old. His musical expertise was taught under the late Hazel Dean Garnes, former Minister of Music of the Rehoboth Temple Church of Christ, Columbus, Ohio. At the age of 12 years, he was saved and filled with precious gift of the Holy Spirit at Rehoboth Temple, under the leadership of the late Bishop H.J. Spenser, who was his Spiritual Father.
During his tenure at Rehoboth Temple, William served a head of church Mimeo-Graphics Department which printed all the church publications, head of the Broadcast/Media Committee. And served as a committee member on many State Planning Sessions and the International Youth Congress for the Churches of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith.
He also served on the state and national levels of Music Department of the Churches of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Inc.
Not confined to his local assembly/organization, He broaden his musical talents to the greater world by “adding his special touch” with accompanying soloist, groups and choirs which included recordings: Kay Robinson & Robinson Singers, Stansbury Gospel Ensemble, New Life Singers, The Apostolic Dimensions, The Apostolic Clefts, Columbus Chapter of The Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), Raise Production Choir, The Bishops, OSU Student Fellowship Gospel Choir, Pastor Linda Millsap-Jones and classical singer, Eunice Givens to name a few….
William in addition, has served as a music and/or choir director at the following churches: Tridestone Baptist Church, Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Tabernacle Baptist Church, New Covenant Believer’s Church Men’s Choir, Faith Ministries Church, Antioch Baptist Church, 2nd Baptist Church Washington, Court House, Ohio, Love Zion Baptist Church, St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, Ashbury United Methodist Church, Centenary Methodist Church, Springhill Baptist Church, Grace Baptist Church, Oakley Full Gospel Baptist Church, J-Jireh Ministries and other various venues that needed his assistance.
William “Billy” was a “hoot & holler…” to all who knew him! His wit, and way with words and stories would leave you in “tears of laughter!” He was down to earth to all who knew him. But, most of all he loved the Lord, and never failed to give God the praise! He alwaysstrove for his spiritual development and faithfully loved attending the Ohio District Council’s annual campground, “Weekend Retreats”, Bishop T.D. Jakes’ “Back To The Bible & Manpower Conferences.” At time taking vast number of saints and non-believers (vast many whom did receive salvation afterwards) with him to these events.
There are “many Big-League Preachers today” that he befriended and fellowshipped along the way, prior to their “higher current status!” He also put just as much effort, time and talent in assisting smaller and developing ministries with just as much love and dedication. He knew “EVERYBODY, and it seemed as everybody knew him!!!!!!!” And would help you if he could! Many lives and ministries have been impacted better because of him!
On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, after a brief illness, the Lord reached down, and rested his tired heart.
He is proceeded in death by his parents: late Deacon Robert & Sadie Martin. Brother, Robert Martin, Jr., nephew: Robert Martin, III (Sparky), and special cousin/god-sister, Bernice Caslin.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving niece, Tracie Martin, grandniece: Essence Martin. Sister InLaw: Carolyn Martin. Special Cousin: John Caslin. God-sister, Gloria Napper, Special God-Brothers, Minister Melvin Smith and Michael Craig. Though William didn’t have biological children, he was blessed to have god-children whom he help nurture: Shelia (William) O’Kelly of Fayetteville, N.C.; Marlin Fredrick of Dallas, TX.; Andrea (Fredrick) Edwards of Texas; Daniel Fredrick of Texas; and Pastor Kem Allen Evans of Columbus, OH.
Special loving cousins of the Caslin, Marr, and Hogg Families. Special friends: Cathy Stevenson and Sandra Waters-Holly. And many, many, many, many loving friends, ministers, singing groups and churches whose lives he touched, and they him!
