Martin Lee Stillings

Martin Lee Stillings, of Hot Spring, AR and Franklin, TN, passed into Heaven on Monday, August 4th, 2025, in Franklin after a long illness. Martin was pre-deceased by his parents, Francis A. Stillings and Kathryn V. Stillings, and his wife of 67 years, Barbara Ann Stillings. Surviving are sons Paul Stillings of Monroe, LA, Tim (Melissa) Stillings of Franklin, TN, daughter Marsha (Kerry) Hird of Anderson, IN. Also surviving are grandchildren Greg (Lauren) Stillings of Rockford, MI, Kelsi (Bryan) Slann of Battle Creek, MI, Marcus (Andrea) Hird of Petersburg, TN, Haley (Winston) Voigt of Franklin, TN, and Nathan (Kristen) Hird of Battle Creek, MI. Great grandchildren are Wiley, McKenna and River Hird, Claire, Reese, and Nora Stillings, Jett and Weston Hird, and Celia Voigt.

In 1977, Martin and Barbara opened their home to exchange student Ana Contreras Postiglione, creating a special parent – daughter relationship and family bond that continues to this day.

Martin was born in Bellefontaine, OH, and attended the Church of God. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950, providing security for Andersen Air Force Base and B-29 bombers stationed in Guam during the Korean Conflict. After 2 years in Guam, he was stationed at Smoky Hill Air Force Base, Kansas, until 1954. He married Barbara Ann Davey, and in the Fall of 1954, he entered Anderson College using the G.I.Bill. Supporting family growth and church were some of the driving decisions that led the family to move to Hot Springs, AR, in 1962.

Martin worked for the Arkansas Rehabilitation Center as a Vocational Instructor for 26 years, retiring in 1988. After retirement, he assisted Barbara with her business endeavors and volunteer work with Mothers Against Drunk Driving. He was involved in the Oaklawn Church of God business, expansion and educational programs for over 60 years.

Martin’s interests in life, besides family and Church, were Studebakers, John Deere, Dodge, and Ohio State Football.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 9th, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home in Franklin, TN, followed by a family service at 6:00 p.m.

Funeral service will be held Monday, August 11th, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Oaklawn Church of God in Hot Springs, AR, followed by a brief graveside service at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Church one hour before the service. Family members will serve as pallbearers.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at the Fountains of Franklin, the Williamson Medical Center and the Reserve at Spring Hill for their excellent care of Martin.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Parkinson's Foundation.