Dr. William "Billy" S. Martin

Dr. William "Billy" Sharp Martin was born February 4, 1932 in Leaksville, N.C. to W.T. and Frances Martin. He has now entered into his Heavenly home after 75 years of faithful and active ministry.

He is survived by Barbara (Young) his childhood sweetheart and beloved wife of 72 years, his faithful partner in both life and ministry. Together, they built a family rooted in love and service. Billy leaves behind his daughter Cindy Martin Johnson (husband Steve) of Sanford, NC; son Greg Martin (wife Barbara) of Greenville, SC; grandchildren Krista Johnson Von Canon (Fred) of Sanford, NC, Jonathan Johnson (Catherine) of Hong Kong, and Jessica Martin Cobb (Brent) of Lyman, SC; and six great-grandchildren, Isabelle Lawrence, Steven Johnson, Lucy Johnson, Nicholas Johnson, Ashton Collins, and Alex Collins. He is also survived by his sister, Martha Bridges (Tommy) of Eden, NC.

Billy was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Stephanie Martin, who welcomed him into heaven.

At the age of 15, Billy dedicated his life to the ministry. His earned an undergraduate degree from Piedmont Bible College (Carolina University) in Winston-Salem, NC, a graduate degree as well as a Doctor of Divinity degree from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC, and pursued further studies at Elon University in NC.

Billy pastored several churches during his ministry, including Emmanuel Baptist Church, Spray, NC, Woodlawn Baptist Church, Rocky Mount, VA, mission church in Boiling Springs, SC, Wayside Baptist Church, Reidsville, NC, Urban Street (Vernon Forest) Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, NC, and Beaufort Highway Baptist Church, Doraville, GA. He also had the privilege of establishing Fellowship Baptist Church in Eden, NC and Calvary Baptist Church in King, NC.

He served as Representative-At-Large for Evangelical Baptist Missions prior to establishing Billy Martin Evangelistic Ministries, Inc. His ministry carried him across the United States and into 49 countries, where he faithfully shared the Gospel.

A devoted servant of Christ, Billy’s calling took him around the world as an international speaker, touching countless lives with the Gospel message. His legacy is one of unwavering faith, deep compassion, and tireless dedication to sharing God’s Word.

His life will be remembered as one poured out in service to Christ, his family, and all who knew him. The memory of his devotion, warmth, and steadfastness will live on in the generations that follow.

Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Friday, August 29, 2025 at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home in Winston-Salem, NC. A celebration of life will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Welcome Door Baptist Church, 6741 Vance Rd, Kernersville, NC. A graveside service will be conducted at 3:30 PM at Zion Christian Church, Sanford, NC.