Born Jan. 22, 1942, at his maternal grandmother’s home on what is now Powell Lane in Elgin, Billy was the son of John Wilder Martin and Lula Alyne Bragg Martin.

Billy attended school in Elgin and graduated from Elgin High School in 1960.

He began his career at Anderson Construction before joining Chatleff Valve Manufacturing Co. as a machinist. Billy attended the University of Texas at Austin for a year and served his country with honor in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1960 to 1964.

While working at Chatleff, Billy met his future wife, Patricia Adams. The two were married Sept. 21, 1963, in Austin.

In 1964 Billy embarked on a long and successful career with the Internal Revenue Service, holding various roles, including computer branch chief, before retiring in 1995.

After retirement, Billy immersed himself in his passions for ranching, cutting and baling hay, raising cattle and staying active in sports. Billy played softball for over 40 years, competing with IRS teams, The Legendary Bluesmen and numerous co-rec teams across Austin. He also enjoyed golf, and any time spent outdoors.

Billy was a dedicated and loving father to his four children: Scott Allen Martin (Tammy), Leah Claire Douglas (Cody), Kathryn Julia Sloma (David) and Joseph Wilder Martin. He took immense pride in his role as a coach and supporter of his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, fostering a love of sports and family in each of them.

Billy’s legacy lives on through his wife Pat, his children and their spouses, his brother Gordon “Bubba” Martin, sister Betty Lynn Meyer, his sisters-in-law Elaine Martin and Rose Mary Zamzow and his treasured grandchildren: Will Martin (Mollie), Jenna Martin (fiancé, Brooks Namken), Peyton Martin Standifer (Cole), Brady Douglas, Addison Douglas, Mia Douglas and Jackson Sloma. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers James Douglas Martin and William “Buck” Eldridge Martin, his brothersin- law Buddy Meyer, Tommy Adams and Dan Adams and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Billy’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to his caregiver Linda Garcia for the kindness and love she showed him over the past year.

Billy’s warmth, humor and love for his family and community will be deeply missed.

A celebration of his life was held at Elgin Funeral Home Jan. 16, followed by a recitation of the Rosary and visitation. Mass was celebrated Jan. 17, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elgin, where family and friends gathered to honor the remarkable life he lived.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, designated for the purchase of pews in the new church.

Arrangements and care are entrusted to Elgin Funeral Home, 712 N. Ave. C in Elgin.