MILBRIDGE and INVERNESS, Fla. – William A. Martin, 76, passed away unexpectedly Jan. 16, 2012, in Inverness, Fla. Billy was born April 22, 1935, in Bangor, son of the late Clifford Martin and the late Susie Hodgkins.
He grew up in Milbridge and served in the U.S. Army, earning performance awards in marksmanship and rifle skills in his training regiment. He went on to serve as a chaplain’s assistant. He married Mary K. Lawrence in 1960, and had two children, Kevin Martin and Debra Muro. With a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education, he worked as a teacher and principal at Down East Elementary and Fairmount Elementary, Harlow Street, Bangor, for many years. As an educator with a “larger than life” presence, Billy was admired for his calm spirit and sense of humor. Retiring in 1982 he and Mary moved to Milbridge and owned and operated Bayview Campground until 2005, when the campground was sold.
Billy is survived by his brothers and sister, Clifford “Edgie” Martin Jr., Paul Martin, Carroll Martin and Alice Miller; his son, Kevin Martin; his daughter, Debra Muro; his three grandchildren, Jessie DeVito, William Martin and Jennifer Martin; and two great-grandchildren, Madison Kay Martin and Matthew Herrick Jr. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary K. Martin; and his brothers, James and Jesse Hodgkins, and Thomas Martin.
Memorial services will be arranged this spring in Milbridge. Friends and family interested in attending services may send their contact information via email to wammemorial service@embarqmail.com or via mail to P.O. Box 3179, N. Fort Myers, FL 33918. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.