George Wilson "Bill" Martin, affectionately known to family and friends as "Billy," passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on June 12, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born on December 18, 1940, in Washington, D.C., Bill was the son of Ernest and Charlotte Martin. He was raised in Washington, D.C., and grew up in the Ardmore area, where he developed the strong work ethic, fierce determination, and deep loyalty that would define his life.

Though most people knew Bill for his kindness, warmth, and gentle spirit, many never knew of his extraordinary accomplishments as a boxer. In his youth and early adulthood, Bill earned a reputation as a world-class fighter whose lightning speed and ferocious style made him a formidable opponent. Feared in the ring and respected by all who faced him, he carried the heart of a champion throughout his life.

In 1963, Bill was inducted into the United States Army, serving much of his military career in Korea. While there, he became a close friend and trusted bodyguard to Captain Richard Norton Hall. His boxing talents quickly gained attention, and he was invited to represent the Army in competition, an honor he respectfully declined. Bill proudly represented both the United States and the Army as a member of the Honor Guard, serving his country with dignity and honor.

Following his military service, Bill's life changed forever during a hospital stay in Philadelphia. Through the friendship of Dr. Richard Norton Hall, he met a young and beautiful Operating Room Scheduler named Mary Jane. The attraction was immediate, and both were instantly smitten. What began as a chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong love story. Bill and Mary Jane were married in 1966, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span more than five decades and become the foundation of a loving family. Together they raised three children and built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and devotion to one another.

Bill's work ethic was legendary. Beginning at the age of 17, he worked for his grandfather's company, Martin Brothers Construction, eventually serving as a superintendent. During his career there, he helped oversee the construction of 155 churches throughout the Washington metropolitan area, along with numerous notable projects, including the auditorium at Einstein High School in Montgomery County during the early 1970s.

In 1977, Bill and Mary Jane founded Bil-Mar Builders, Inc., a custom home-building company that would become synonymous with quality throughout Southern Maryland. Bill personally built many of the homes himself, earning a reputation as one of the region's finest craftsmen and most respected builders. His attention to detail, integrity, and commitment to excellence left a lasting mark on countless families and communities.

Yet Bill's greatest gift was not building houses—it was building relationships.

He had an extraordinary ability to make instant friends wherever he went. On his desk sat a yearly calendar filled with birthdays, anniversaries, and special milestones of people he had met throughout his life. Each year, he carefully transferred every name and phone number into a new calendar, ensuring no one was forgotten. Day after day, year after year, Bill faithfully called people simply to wish them a happy birthday, happy anniversary, or to let them know they mattered.

Whether he had known someone for decades or only fifteen minutes, Bill made people feel important. He often ended conversations with his signature phrases: "Hey, you have a great rest of your life," or "You're the nicest lady in the world," even if she had simply offered him another cup of coffee. His kindness was genuine, his generosity endless, and his ability to brighten someone's day was unmatched.

Bill was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, loyal friend, and protector of those who needed help. Throughout his life, he instinctively stood up for the underdog and looked after those who were vulnerable or hurting. Many people considered Bill their hero, and for good reason.

His greatest pride was his family. He was an incredible father to his three children, who were honored to call him Dad. Though he worked tirelessly to provide for his family, he was always present and deeply involved in the lives of his children. He held a particularly special place in his heart for his youngest son, Michael, who was born with a congenital heart defect. Bill's love, protection, and devotion to Michael were unwavering throughout his life.

Bill's devotion to his children was evident in everything he did. When his daughter Laurie's high school cross country team needed a coach, Bill stepped up despite the demands of his business. Through hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn, he helped lead the team to two State Championships.

One of Bill's most endearing qualities was his quick wit and infectious sense of humor. His ability to make people laugh created instant bonds and lifelong friendships. His humor, kindness, and sincerity left an unforgettable impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Most importantly, Bill was a faithful Christian who loved the Lord and lived his faith through his actions. His kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and love for others reflected the values he cherished most. Today, he rejoices in the presence of God and is reunited with the love of his life, Mary Jane, and his beloved son Michael, both of whom he missed dearly.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Jane May Martin; his son, Michael; his parents, Ernest and Charlotte Martin; his sister, Susie; and his faithful companions, Munson, Henry, Frochee, and Mischi.

He is survived by his son, Danny Martin and wife Karen Mitchell; his daughter, Laurie Martin and husband Brian Grizzle; his grandchildren, Billy Martin, Joshua Martin, Baylee Roach, Peyton Mitchell, Makaylee "Mikey" Martin, Chase Grizzle, Bria Grizzle, and Jake Grizzle; his sisters, Barbara "Bobby Lee" Johnson and Pat "Bicky" Jones; his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Jean "Badeeni" Kostick; his brother-in-law, Tony Saunders; and a host of nieces and nephews who lovingly knew him as Uncle Billy.

He is also survived by cherished lifelong friends Billy and Grace Jarboe, Dr. Richard Norton Hall, Al Dappolito, Sandy and Tim McCarthy, Harold Schmeiser and countless others whose lives were touched by his friendship.

To know Bill was to be encouraged, to laugh a little harder, to feel a little more important, and to leave every conversation feeling better than when it began.

His legacy lives on in the homes he built, the lives he changed, the family he loved, and the countless friendships he created along the way.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Livestream of Mr. Martin's service will begin at 1:00pm, please see below for the link. 

Livestream www.danny.chat