William Sanford Martin

William Sanford Martin

8/10/1955  -  3/8/2026

Petersburg

William S. Martin (known as Bill) passed away at his home peacefully and surrounded by his wife, past Sunday evening, March 8. Bill was age 70, born August 10, 1955 in Fort Worth, TX, to Jane Mattox Martin of Fort Worth, TX; and Charles Gordon Martin III, an engineer graduated from Yale University. His parents predeceased him and he was also preceded in death by his sister Mary Jane Shook and his brother Charles Martin.

“We pray for the peaceful repose of his soul to be in the love and mercy of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in Heaven.”

Bill was a proud veteran of the United States Army, with 22 years serving in multiple deployments, including Desert Storm. He earned numerous accolades including Expeditionary, Superior, and Meritorious medals. He was known for his work ethic, dedication to his family, love for his country; and passion for golf. His faith in God, spiritual experiences, love for his family, and community connection led him to become Catholic in the last years of his life. Educated at Arlington Heights High School (Class of 1973) in Fort Worth, TX; at University of New York, Albany, NY; and at several military schools. Work and leisure took him to different parts of the world to include Germany, Saudi Arabic, Panama, Bermuda, United Arabic Emirates, Malta, Iceland among many other countries. He participated in golf tournaments in the U.S., Panama, and Germany where he stood out by winning the top positions in various amateur-level tournaments. He was a member of the Petersburg Country Club.

Bill S. Martin is survived by his wife; Aida Martin, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members and many dear friends.

“May perpetual light shine on Bill’s soul and may he rest in peace in eternal life in the love and mercy of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen”

A funeral Mass will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 151 W Washington St, Petersburg, VA 23803. A Rosary prayer will be held 30 minutes before the Mass at the church. Military honors will be held after the mass at the church, followed by a reception at the Parish Hall.

A Novena for the Holy Soul will be held March 18-26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Martin’s residence where the Rosary will be prayed family and friends can attend. Duration: 30 minutes.

Inurnment will be held at Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, VA at a later date where family and friends can attend.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation at T2T.org.

Online condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.