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2011 SESSION
WHEREAS, William Raymond Martin, Sr., of Martinsville, the highly respected retired publisher of the Martinsville Bulletin, died on April 16, 2010; and
WHEREAS, a native of Franklin County, William Martin was born on November 13, 1919, to loving parents Jesse Booker Martin, Sr., and Lelia Paisley Martin Divers and was one of four siblings; and
WHEREAS, as a young man during World War II, William Martin was a radar operator in the 393rd Bomb Squadron under the 509th Composite Group; in 1999, the group received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and V (for valor) Device for its role in the Manhattan Project; and
WHEREAS, after his military service, William Martin graduated from the National Business College in Roanoke and began his career with the Martinsville Bulletin as an accountant; and
WHEREAS, recognized for his business savvy and leadership skills, William Martin rose through the ranks, serving as business manager and general manager before being named publisher in 1959; and
WHEREAS, a man of integrity and fairness, William Martin worked diligently to ensure the Martinsville Bulletin provided superior local coverage and was responsive to readers; and
WHEREAS, William Martin oversaw many changes to the Martinsville Bulletin during his 40 years with the paper, including the conversion to computerized typesetting and the addition of an offset printing press; and
WHEREAS, William Martin retired from the Martinsville Bulletin in 1989 and then served as vice president of Blue Ridge Aquaculture in Martinsville until his death; and
WHEREAS, desirous to serve his neighbors and make a difference in the community, William Martin served on the board of Memorial Hospital in Martinsville from 1965 to 1977; was chairman of the first board of the Mental Health Association; and was on the charter board when the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce was formed; and
WHEREAS, a beloved figure in the City of Martinsville, William Martin will be remembered for his commitment to journalistic excellence and steadfast support of his community; and
WHEREAS, William Martin was supported in all his endeavors by his loving family and will be greatly missed by his wife of 64 years, Betty Josephine Philpott Martin; children, Bill, Lou, Lelia, Suzanne, Charlene, Mary, and Barbara, and their families; and his numerous other family members, friends, and admirers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of William Raymond Martin, Sr.; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of William Raymond Martin, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.