Reverend Dr. William
H. Martin, age 78 of Jasper, Georgia passed away on Sunday, September 21st.
He was born on May 24, 1930 in Jackson, Michigan. He is survived by his
wife, Alice Stevens Martin and four daughters; Emilie M. Gudger (Frank),
Cecelia M. Munson (Mark), Alison M. Aliff, all of Woodstock, Georgia and
Elizabeth M. Weems (Michael) of Tampa, Florida. Eight grandchildren;
Phillip Aliff, Chris Aliff – US Army, Lauren, Kami & Ross Gudger,
William, Kendall and Joseph Bennett all of Woodstock, GA. Brothers –
Raymond, George & John Martin all of Savannah; Sisters June M. Gnann of
Athens, GA, Marie M. Vardell of Tampa, FL, and Martha M. Bartl of
Loveland, OH. Many nieces and nephews. William was preceded in death
by his parents, Fred A. & Emily H. Martin, Sr. and two brothers, Fred A.
Martin, Jr. & Charles C. Martin, Sr. William graduated from Savannah
High School in Savannah Georgia, Newberry College in Newberry, SC and
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC. He was ordained
into the Georgia-Alabama Synod of the United Lutheran Church in America
on May 22, 1960 in his home congregation of St. Paul’s Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Savannah, GA. William received an honorary Doctorate
of Divinity from Newbery College. He served as pastor of Mt. Zion-St.
Luke Lutheran Church, Oglethorpe, GA; Developing pastor of Advent
Lutheran Church, Augusta, GA; St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Mobile, AL and
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Marietta, GA from which he retired in 1993
following 22 years as Senior Pastor. During his retirement years, he
served nine congregations in the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America as an Interim Pastor, including his home
congregation of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Savannah, GA,
where he was confirmed, married and ordained. A memorial service will
be held at The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 731 Peachtree Street,
N.E., Atlanta, GA on Friday, September 26, 2008 at 11am followed by a
visitation reception. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Holy
Trinity Lutheran Church 2922 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta, GA
30066-4689. Cremation Society of the SOUTH in Marietta is in charge of
arrangements (770) 420-5557.
