William Carrel “Bill” Martin, of Clarkston, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on May 14, 2023 at the age of 93.
Preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Loretta Maxine Martin, sisters Martha Elizabeth Childers and Mary Rheba Goren, and his parents William Carrel Sr. and Dixie Beatrice Oden.
Loving father of Catherine (Manuel) Shallal, Cheryl (Antonio, Jr.) Macias, and William III (Diane) Martin, proud grandfather of Joseph (Tina) LaBeau, Michael (Yicheng) Shallal, Matthew (Ashley) Shallal, Antonio III (Gloria) Macias, Melissa (Paul) Mansour, Melissa (Andrew) Haygood, and William IV (Alyssa) Martin, loving great-grandfather of Grant, Brianna, Logan, and Ava, and Austin, Blake, Carter, Courtney, Taylor, and Ryan, and Wyatt, Ryan, Abby, and William V, Bayleigh, and Paxton, great-great grandfather of Brinley Custer and another Custer on the way. Also, a nephew Steven (Christina) Goren. Bill will be greatly missed by his loving friend, Emma Kendall, and sweet and caring Millie Preston.
Bill grew up in Eva, Alabama, and moved to Michigan after coming home from the Korean War as an artillery soldier. Bill came to Michigan for work and met his wife (“the prettiest girl I ever saw”) and raised their family in Clarkston. Bill retired from the State of Michigan.
Bill will be remembered for being a great neighbor and will be greatly missed by them all. Bill enjoyed visiting his hometown in Alabama every year with his family and checking on his numerous cousins and friends. He enjoyed building and was an incredible handyman, even building his family’s house which he lived in for 65 years. He was passionate about gardening and wildlife. He was able to teach his grandchildren the names of different trees, plants, and animals. He took precious care of his garden giving away the fruits of his labor to friends and family. He enjoyed taking care of his beautiful yard, watching cowboy shows, and splitting firewood to burn in his stove.
Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa, you will be greatly missed.
Friends may visit Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston, on May 17 from noon until 1 p.m. Funeral service at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Graveside service with military honors to follow at Ottawa Park Cemetery, Clarkston.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Online guestbook at wintfuneralhome.com.