William Terry Martin's Obituary
William Terry Martin fought a courageous battle with cancer and went to be with our Lord and Saviour on Tuesday morning, June 1, 2010. Terry was an incredible man of integrity who was honest and dependable. He was a loving husband, great dad and doting Pap-Paw. A Christian man of few words. He loved the outdoors - fishing was his joy. He enjoyed hunting and simply loved his adopted yellow lab, Buddy, who followed him everywhere.
Terry was born January 15, 1944 in Karnack, TX. Son of the late TA and Ira Martin. Terry grew up in Hallsville, TX and attended Hallsville schools where he graduated in 1962. He attended Kilgore College before attending The University of Texas at Arlington and earning a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. Terry married Dianna Callahan on January 22, 1966. They lived in Arlington, TX then moved back to East Texas where he worked for Le Tourneau, Inc. until he retired three years ago. He enjoyed his retirement from Le Tourneau, Inc. after a 38 year career in electrical engineering.
Terry and Dianna built a home in the Gum Springs community in 1971 where they raised three beautiful daughters: Michelle, Amy and Nicole. Terry became a Mason in December, 1975 and was a member of James F. Taylor Lodge #169. He was also recognized as a Waco Scottish Rite 33rd degree Mason and actively worked in many of the degrees. He was also a York Rite Mason in the Longview lodge.
Terry became ill, suddenly, without warning in February 2010. His ride was like a roller coaster with lots of ups and downs. He was a warrior and kept fighting until the very end. He leaves behind his wife Dianna of 44 years and three daughters and their spouses: Michelle Herring of Longview, Amy Deane-Bird and her husband Michael of Yorba Linda, CA, and Nicole Roland and her husband Donnie of Frisco, TX. He also had many grandchildren: Breanna and Meryl Herring of Longview, Kayla and Sarah Deane of Yorba Linda, CA and Carly Treadway, Isaac, William Terry's namesake and Reagan Roland of Frisco, TX along with three step grandchildren: Chad and wife Lauren of CO, Kristal and Renee of Yorba Linda, CA. He is also survived by a brother and sister in law, Farley and Jeanie Martin, of Southwest City, MO, a sister and brother in law, Jo Ann and W.C. Bill Fields , of Longview TX, and late sister and brother in law Verlie and Bob Armstrong. Special friends are: Charles and Lillian Etheredge, Dean McDowell, and Janet Wolfe and the late Roger Wolfe. He is survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be held in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview at 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 3. Family visitation will be at Rader Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 2, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Masonic graveside service will be held at the Gum Springs Cemetery immediately following funeral services. Pallbearers will be brothers from the James F. Taylor Lodge, #169.
Special appreciation and thanks to Beacon Hospice, Dr. Margaret Schottstaedt, Cynthia R.N., and staff; Dr. Rodney Slone and nurse Sidney of Internal Medical Assoc.; Dr. Koya and nurse Teresa at Texas Oncology; and Dr. Matt Holcomb, surgeon.
It is finished; the battle is over!
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
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