William R. (Bill) Martin

William Robert (Bill) Martin, 72 years old, born in Marlin, TX, passed away Thursday, December 18, 2014, at his home in Austin, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert Edwin (Ed) and Mary Christine Patterson Martin. A 1960 graduate of Midway High School in Waco, Bill received his B.A. in math from the University of Texas in 1968. Granted an emergency certificate in the fall of 1967, Bill began his teaching/coaching career in Plains, Texas. During his 30-year career which included positions in Tulia, Ft. Stockton, and Midland School Districts, Bill was a member of Texas High School Coaches Association. In 1997 he retired from public education and moved to Ruidoso, NM.

The grandson and great-grandson of Methodist pastors, Bill remained faithful to his upbringing. As a member of Community United Methodist Church in Ruidoso, he was a member of United Methodist Men and participated in the Parish Health Ministry. Bill also volunteered with Lincoln County Food Bank.

Surviving Bill is his wife of 49 years, Loyce; their children and families, Todd Martin of Greenwood, TX; Cheryl, Rusty, and Stephen Teeter of Austin, TX; and Burke, Holly, and Carter Martin of Granbury, TX.; sister, Judy Martin Key and partner Sunny Lansdale of Dripping Springs, TX; Judy’s daughters, Tammy Clossin of Chagrin Falls, OH, Tara and David Perez of Austin, Tasha Key of Dripping Springs, Tessa and Tony Samos of Kyle, TX, and son Kyle Key of Austin and their families mourn the loss of their Uncle Bill; numerous other relatives; and a host of friends.

The Martin family would like to express its gratitude to family and friends for ongoing love and support and to an extraordinary number of healthcare professionals too numerous to mention who have cared for Bill since February of 2011.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2014, at 12:00 Noon, Berkeley United Methodist Church, 2407 Berkeley Avenue, Austin, TX, 78745.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions to be made in Bill's memory to the Community United Methodist Church, 220 Junction Road Ruidoso, NM 88345.