Billy Joe Martin

Billy Joe Martin, 77, went home on September 25, 2023 after a short battle with lung cancer. He went peacefully with his family by his side. Billy was born July 29, 1946, to Dock and Thelma Martin. He was one of ten children. He attended Johns School in Johns Alabama and was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Billy served during the Vietnam War and earned two bronze stars for bravery. He was very honored and proud to have served his country. He was a very loving and dedicated father and grandfather. There was nothing he would not do for his family. He was extremely close to his daughter being not only her best friend and closest confidante but the perfect partner in crime in their many adventures. Billy was a big man with an even bigger heart. He loved everyone and never met a stranger. He always said there was always room for one more in his home and at his table. He could strike up a conversation with anyone. He never went anywhere and not see someone he knew. He enjoyed working on cars, restoring old cars, watching Alabama football (many times being an armchair coach), and you never got in a car with him that country music wasn’t playing. After retirement he enjoyed riding around the neighborhood with Martha and Kathy in his “supped up” golf cart. He worked for 27 years at Jim Walter Resources #4 Mine as a longwall operator before retiring. He was a member of UMWA Local 2245 District 20, Amvets Post 2018 Elberta and American Legion Post 99 Gulf Shores. He is survived by Martha, his loving partner and longtime companion, his daughter Sonya Twitty (Bill), Four grandsons, Paul Twitty (Leah), Bradley Twitty, Cory Twitty and Marcelis Twitty. One great grandson on the way Coopper Twitty. Two sisters in laws – Artie Martin and Gay Martin. An abundance of nieces and nephews and cousins. He is in preceded in death by his parents Dock and Thelma Martin and all nine of his brothers and sisters. Charles, Frank, Jim, Carl, Helen, Joyce, Sis, Sally, Marie. Visitation will be Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 10 AM until service time at 11 AM at Old Blue Creek Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Old Blue Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in his honor to Amvets Post 2018 and American Diabetes Association

Billy Joe Martin

July 29, 1946 - September 25, 2023