William Richard Martin

William Richard Martin, (Bill) 79, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at his home in Georgetown, Texas.

Born on January 4, 1947, in Burley, ID, Bill lived with his parents and sister in various cities and towns throughout Northern and Central California. In 1966, Bill graduated from McLane High School in Fresno, California, and later earned a degree in Journalism from Fresno State University. His distinguished career began as a reporter and correspondent for the Associated Press in Carson City, Reno, and San Francisco. Later, he served as Press Secretary to U.S. Senator Paul Laxalt and managed several successful political campaigns in Northern Nevada. Bill, with his friends, founded and managed the Nevada Weekly/Reno News and Review newspaper. Later, he established a successful public relations firm, Bill Martin Public Relations and was honored by the Public Relations Society of America Sierra Nevada Chapter Hall of Fame. He also taught Public Relations courses at the University of Nevada for a while.

After moving to Texas, Bill also served for six years as a speechwriter for the Texas Attorney General in Austin. In 2006, he left to become the Director of Communications for Children at Heart Ministries in Round Rock, retiring in 2013.
Because he had a passion for history, Bill was a lifetime member of the Oregon-California Trails Association, where he first served as editor of “News From the Plains” and then as a Board Member, Vice President, and eventually President for the Organization.

Most important to him, Bill was a dedicated Christian and an active member of First Baptist Church of Georgetown. He oversaw the Prayer List and was the opening speaker for Lifegroup each Sunday morning. In a servant capacity, he participated in missionary trips to Alaska and Mexico.

An avid sports fan, Bill loved cheering on the San Francisco Giants, 49ers, Golden State Warriors, Fresno State Bulldogs, Nevada Wolf Pack, and Texas Longhorns.
Bill was a very prolific writer and editor, and also a voracious reader, enjoying historical fiction the most. He was well known for his quick wit and great sense of humor, and ability to tell a great story. He loved food, music, being outdoors, playing golf, and all the good things in life. Most of all Bill was a family man who cherished time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved travelling with Diane, especially to visit their grandkids.

Bill is survived by his wife of 25 years, Diane Martin of Georgetown; son Joshua Martin (Christina) of Reno, NV; daughter Jennifer Gartner (Stuart) of Sparks, NV; stepsons Nash Godsey (Deanna) of Georgetown, TX, Kyle Godsey (Stephanie) of Tucson, AZ, and Cory Godsey (Emily) of Risco, MO; brother Gary Smith S.J., of Portland, OR; 15 grandchildren with one more expected in March; and countless friends and former colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Eunice Martin; sisters Betty, Jane and Susan; and brothers Jerry and Don.
A memorial service will be held on March 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Georgetown. If you’d like, donations may be made in his name to the Oregon-California Trails Association or the American Cancer Society.