William Edward Martin

RET. MSGT William Edward “Billy” Martin, 92, of Colonial Heights, passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. Born in Petersburg, VA, he was the son of the late John Henry and Ermine Rogers Martin. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Christine Brockwell Martin; sister, Ruth Celeste Martin; and brother, John Henry Martin, Jr. Billy began his military career as a “Lee Volunteer” in the U.S. Navy and later transitioned into the U.S. Army. He proudly served in World War II and the Korean War retiring as MSGT after many years of service. He is survived by five children, Betty Hobbs, Brenda Kump, John Martin and his wife, Brenda, Gerald Martin and his wife, Janet, and Shari Zappulla and her husband Chris; grandchildren, Michael Hobbs, Cayce Kump, John E. Martin, Jr., Christopher Zappulla, Jr., Michael Elmore and Jamie Elmore; great-grandchildren, Krystina Harte, Luke Hobbs and Heather Hobbs; and sister, Marty Fisher. A graveside service with military honors will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 29, 2016 at Blandford Cemetery. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .