Mr. William (Bill) Ray Martin, age 83, passed away early on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at his home in Lexington. He was born May 30, 1941, in Henderson County to the late James Ray and Vera Mae Wylie Martin.
Bill attended Memphis State and became an attorney in 1966. He moved to Lexington to practice law with his wife Pennie and later welcomed his daughter Allison in 1976. Bill worked in private practice for many years and later worked for the 26th Judicial District as an Assistant District Attorney in Henderson County until his retirement. Bill considered many of his colleagues good friends, and he especially enjoyed attending local bar association gatherings and supported efforts to bring new and older members of the legal profession together. Bill also served as Chairman of the Henderson County Election Commission.
Bill always enjoyed traveling, and in retirement was able to spend more time with his wife Mary Jane and visiting many places around the world. Bill attended Grace Methodist Church in Lexington, and during his time with the District Attorney General’s Office he worked closely with the Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse and supported their efforts to help local children and families.
Bill was preceded in death by wife Pennie Martin in 2007; Survivors include his wife Mary Jane Martin, his daughter, Allison P. Martin, his stepsons, Robert Johnson (Tina Johnson) and Reverend Ronald Johnson (Karen Johnson), 4 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Bill always enjoyed sharing whenever possible that when he married Mary Jane on July 7, 2012, he welcomed 22 new family members.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 am Wednesday April 23,2025 at Grace Methodist Church in Lexington. Interment will follow in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday April 22 from 2-4 pm and 6-9 pm at Pafford Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Grace Methodist Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to the Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse Henderson County.
