William Lowe Martin

1949 - 2025

William Lowe Martin Greenville - William Lowe Martin was born on March 31, 1949, in Montgomery, Alabama to his parents, James Bryan Martin, Sr. and Martha Lowe Martin. When the family moved to Mobile, Alabama, Will met Jane Shaw, a local art teacher who became a guide and great friend all of his life. He graduated from Shaw High School and the University of South Alabama in Mobile. He then earned a Master's degree in French from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide). He died on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from complications of ALS.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the home, 2001 Fairview Way, Greenville, NC from 12 pm to 3 pm.

A celebration of Will's life will be held at Green Roof Farm outside of Fountain, NC on Saturday, August 9th, from 10 am to 12 pm.

Will worked for the Social Security Administration for 38 years. His last position was as a Technical Expert. As a lark, he purchased Hearts Delight ice cream shop from its original owner, and it was there that he met Elizabeth Dixon McInnis and her daughter Melody Anne McInnis. Elizabeth and Will married in August, 1986, and Polly Sullivan Martin was born in November, 1987.

Will found great joy when out of doors roaming in nature, playing tennis, or doing outside chores. He was a charter member of Baywood Racquet Club, and he served on the Board of Directors for the Downeast Community Tennis Association for many years. A tennis amateur, he described himself as a lover of the game, saying , "I play 'indescribable' tennis."

One of his greatest sources of enjoyment was exploring the canyons and hiking the mountains of the American West, particularly the San Juan mountains of southern Colorado.

A lover of music, he listened to a wide range of styles including Classical, Dixieland Jazz, classic Rock n Roll, Big Band, and Moon Mullican. He also enjoyed card games, board games, and continued to work with pastels to create art.

Will never failed to remember people's names and the names of those dear to them. He often had a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a droll comment to make. He was a successful and unabashed user of u-turns, both legal and illegal!

He was predeceased by his parents and sister-in-law Suzanne Martin. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, daughter Melody Sutton, daughter Polly Martin Black (Trey) and three grandchildren, Hunter Black, Beau Black, and Savannah Black, and his brother James Bryan Martin, Jr of Bartlett, TN.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Cypress Group of the Sierra Club, The Autism Society, ALS United NC, The Gleason Foundation, CoopStrong, or Bridging Voice. Donation information can be found on the website for each organization.

Arrangements by Winterville Cremation & Funeral Services.

Online condolences at www.wintervillefuneralcare.com.