Billy Martin

Billy "Bill" Cecil Martin, 80, of Midland, passed away Monday, January 4, 2021 at Atrium Health Cabarrus in Concord.

A native of Union County, he was born July 9, 1940 in Monroe to the late William Caesar Martin and the late Margie Baucom Barbee.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Betty Barbee Martin.

He graduated from Bethel High School in 1958, where he was a two-sport athlete in baseball and basketball and active in the FFA.  While not the tallest player on the basketball team, he played the position of Center because of his extremely long reach.  He was also voted best looking his senior year.  It was early in his high school career when he discovered an affection for cows, owning his first cow at the age of 15 through the 4H program.  After high school, he attended Harding University High for trade school, learning advanced math and preparing him for the basics of welding.

Bill made a career as a Sheet Metal Mechanic.  A hard worker and talented craftsman, he dedicated over 40 years to his profession before retiring from DA Moore Corporation in Concord.  He could make about anything out of metal.  His bond of cows strengthened through adulthood, raising cows in multiple pastures, priding himself on how beautiful he kept the pastures and the care he gave his cows.  He was often accompanied by his four-legged friend, Jan.  He enjoyed going to the cow sales and made many dear friends along the way.

Bill was a kind-hearted, generous man who loved telling a good joke and will be remembered for his sense of humor, incredible work ethic, and love of family, friends, and of course, his cows.

The family will receive friends from 2:30 - 3:15 pm, Saturday, January 9, 2021, at First Baptist Church of Stanfield, Hwy. 200 North, Stanfield. A graveside service will follow at 3:30 pm in the church cemetery officiated by Rev. Bruce League.

Billy is survived by daughters, Kimberly (Mike) Eudy, Lynn (Scott) Carpenter; grandchildren, Sheena (Ian) Eudy, Brant (Megan) Eudy, Kelton (Amber) Carpenter, Kirby Carpenter, Kaley (Ethan Morgan) Carpenter; great-grandchildren, Cooper Carpenter, Cade Carpenter, Karson Lemmons, Ansley Lemmons, Knox Eudy; sister, Marlene (Boe) Tomberlin; nieces, Penny Tomberlin Conner and Wendy Tomberlin Biggers.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Martin family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com