"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing" 2 Timothy 4:7-8

William Lewis Martin was born in Cordova, Alabama, to the late Mr. Henry and Mrs. Mattie Lee Martin on August 17, 1937. He was affectionately called "Buster" by his parents and siblings and "Bill" by other relatives and friends. At a young age he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he later graduated from William Taft High School. After completing his studies in Arc welding at Trenton Technical School in Trenton, Michigan, William was first employed by Great Lakes Steel and then Dana Corporation for 13 years in Ecorse, Michigan.

While living in Michigan,William met his wife Alva in 1971,and they united in holy matrimony on August 6, 1978 in Lincoln Park, Michigan. In 1980 William moved with Alva to her home town in Bogalusa, Louisiana and the couple eventually made their home in Varnado, Louisiana. William became employed by Angola State Penitentiary and B.B. Rayburn Correctional Center, where he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring in 2005 after 20 years of service.
For 30 years, William was a devoted member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church where he served as deacon, prayer band leader, former vice president of the brotherhood, former BTU director, and former building fund committee member. William loved God and God's people.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend. He enjoyed fishing and preparing meals for family and friends. William finished his race strong serving the Lord Jesus and touching so many lives with his gentle quiet spirit.
William is preceded in death by his father and mother, and his son, Mr. Cedric Martin. He leaves to cherish his loving memory: wife of 33 years, Mrs. Alva J. Martin of Varnado, Louisiana; four brothers, Mr. Robert F. Johnson of Sugar Hill, Georgia, Mr. Onnie Ray (Carol) Martin of Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Nathaniel Martin of Cordova, Alabama, Mr. Jorge R. (Sandra) Martin of Hollywood, California; one sister, Mrs. Shirley M. (John) Mixon of Cordova, Alabama;
two sons, Mr. Andre (Lorna) Martin of Fairfield, Ohio, Mr. Victor (Cheryl) Martin of Fairfield, Ohio; two daughters, Mrs. Imelda ( ) Adams of Ecorse, Michigan, Dr. Carmen (Willie) Abston of Brandon, Mississippi; sister-in-law, Mrs. Ora Rembert of Pascagoula, Mississippi and brother-in-law, Mr. Andre Johnson of Varnado, Louisiana; 12 grandchildren, great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church family members.
Visitation will be Sunday, February 12 at Cook-Richmond from 2-4p.m. Wake service will be from 6-8 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Varnado, La. Funeral Service will be Monday, February 13 1 p.m. Mount Zion Baptist Church.