William Pinson Martin

WILLIAM PINSON MARTIN, son of the late Robert Alexander and Charley Pinson Martin, was born on December 21, 1945 in Asheville, North Carolina. His immediate family included two brothers, Frederick Pope Martin III and Charles Lorrin Martin, Sr., and a sister Roberta Bellamy. All of his siblings predecease William. William was educated in the local public schools, and graduated from the Stephens Lee High School in Asheville, North Carolina. After high school, he served his country for twenty-five years as a member of the U.S. Army. In the armed forces, he held the positions of chef, gunner, and member ofthe food service infantry. He was honorably discharged, having reached rank of Army Staff Sargent, and continued his service in the Maryland National Guard. In Baltimore Maryland, on September 25, 1982, William and the former Nathalia Jessup werejoined together in holy matrimony. The two of them worked to build a strong bond, and they even chose to recommit to one another in a ceremony on September 25, 2006. William valued membership in the New Psalmist Baptist Church. He was baptized there and regularly engaged in worship services until his declining health prevented such. William also had a strong work ethic. In North Carolina, he worked as a golf caddy. He recalled that, in his early year she had many unique experiences while traveling across the United States as a Bible salesman. Later, he became a factory worker at London Fog firm in Baltimore City. Before formal retirement, upon having risen to the position of Body Shop Foreman, William had been employed by the Maryland Transit Administration for thirty-four years! Ever the entrepreneur, he, with the help of his son Jon, was also the proud franchise owner of Super Shuttle, an enterprise responsible for transporting passengers to and from airports and hotels. On several occasions, he was cited as "Employee of the Month." William especially delighted in family life. In his leisure time, he and his wife and the family enjoyed their travel, and especially their cruises. He was an avid fisherman, and sports enthusiast. The Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, and Washington Redskins were his favorite teams. He loved to cook soul food, and he found history fascinating. He viewed and truly appreciated the cable History Channel. He also got great satisfaction from his home. A well-cared for lawn and shrubbery welcomed those guests who he loved to entertain. The gas grill was his signature piece of equipment! Neighbors shall miss his willingness to assist them with snow removal and lawn upkeep. They shall also miss the concern that he often showed for their general welfare. On Friday, December 12, 2014, William, known by most as "Mr. Martin" or "Willie," transitioned to Eternal Rest. To celebrate his life, recall precious memories, and to cherish those special relationships shared with him, William Pinson Martin leaves a devoted wife Nathalia Jessup Martin; two daughters Tonia Wise and Catrina Martin (Ernest Pinkney); one son Jonathan Martin (Sydney Martin); one step-son James Jenkins; six grandchildren Shanay Wise, Lanay Wise, Niajah Pinkney, Aaron Pinkney, Jasmine Jenkins and Tyleal Dubose; one niece Roberta Martin; one nephew Charles Martin, Jr.; a loving grandniece, Lauren, and a loving grandnephew, Brandon; one sister-in-law Laymentress Martin; the mothers of his daughters, Rose Willett and Emily Stanton; and many other family members and friends, including a very dear buddy, Clarence Hawkins.

Tributes

William Pinson Martin

December 21, 1945 - December 12, 2014