Obituary of Billy Ray Martin

Funeral services for Billy Ray Martin, age 85, of Sulphur Springs will be conducted at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at the Myra Wilson Chapel with Rev. Fred Lewis and Bro. Tommy Johnston officiating. Military graveside honors by the Hopkins County Military Coalition will follow at the Sulphur Springs City Cemetery with Billy Don Sachs, Joe Hooten, Charles Harrington, Tim Kulhanek, Mike Kulhanek, and Jackie Tucker serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Ed Dial, Elmer Dial, Gary Maynard, Ed Warren, Johnny Ethridge, and Danny Lile. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at West Oaks Funeral Home. Mr. Martin passed away Sunday, August 26, 2012 at Carriage House Manor. Mr. Martin was born on December 31, 1926 in Wood County, TX, the son of Claude and Vernia (Riggs) Martin. He married Ava Alexander on April 4, 1953 in Lewisville, AR. Mr. Martin served in the United States Army during WWII. Mr. Martin was a life member of the VFW Post #8560 as well as a Charter member and served as Commander of the VFW for 4 years. Mr. Martin was in the furniture and antique business for 29 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and also coached little league baseball. Mr. Martin is survived by his wife Ava of 59 years; sons, Tony Martin and wife Marjorie, Roger Martin and wife Debra, and Randy Martin; nieces and nephews, Flo Pittsley, Tommi Daugherty, Debbie Deaton, Brenda Lacy, Tim Kulhanek, Mike Kulhanek, Henrietta Kulhanek, Kim Landry, Billy Don Sachs, Lisa Hooten, Kay Harrington, Debbie Craven and Nancy Rawls. Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfuneralhome.com