Wilburn Charles "Wib" Martin

Wilburn "Wib" Charles Martin of Trafford, Ala. passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the age of 85. Wib was a loyal member of Trafford Baptist Church for over 50 years. He was also a beloved baseball coach for Trafford Little League for 15+ years. One of his proudest moments as a coach was taking a team to the Little League World Series in Tennessee. In his mid-twenties, Wib played semi-pro baseball for BABF, and continued to enjoy playing softball well into his fifties. Baseball and softball weren't the only sports Wib enjoyed.. he was also a huge Auburn football fan. War Eagle! He retired from Jefferson County. A big highlight of Wib's life in retirement was spending mornings with his friends at Global Fitness and then enjoying breakfast and cutting up with his buddies at Hardee's in Warrior. Wib was an avid reader of western novels and loved watching old westerns on TV. He had a love of classic cars, especially his prized Chevelles. Wib was known for his quick wit, great sense of humor, enjoyable storytelling, remarkable memory, and plethora of interesting trivia knowledge. Wib was a dedicated and loving husband and father, and a doting grandfather. He recently celebrated 62 years of marriage to the love of his life, Joan. Together they started a family and enjoyed watching it grow throughout the years. Wib will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Wib was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Lloyd and Lela Mae Martin; and siblings: Charlene Brazeel, Mary Dickey, Helen Childers, Shirley Martin, John Louis Martin, and Hugh "Hawk" Martin. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan Hale Martin; children, Terry Martin (Sheryl), Debbie Childers Camp (Alan), and Brent Martin; grandchildren, Summer Martin, Andrew Hunter Martin (Shay), and Dylan Childers (Reagan); brother, Larry Martin (Jenise); sisters-in-law, Wanda Martin and Margaret Hale; as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

To celebrate Wib's life, a memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Trafford on Saturday, February 7. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and the memorial service, officiated by Bro. Pat Melvin, will begin at noon.

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