William Dale Martin, 85, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Countrywood Manor Assisted Living in Mantachie, MS surrounded by his family. He was born November 16, 1939, in the Greenwood Community of Itawamba County to George Anderson and Lila Loden Martin. He was a member of the Greenwood Baptist Church for 70+ years, where he served for a time as Adult Sunday School teacher and Brotherhood and Building/Grounds Chairman. He was a 32 nd degree Scottish-Rite Master Mason, a Shriner, and Past Master of the Richmond Masonic Lodge #97. He was recently honored with a 50 year Masonic Service Award. He was a charter member of the Dorsey Lions Club and Dorsey RCDC. He was an E6 Staff Sergeant with the Mississippi National Guard serving for over 10 years. He and his wife were also co-owners and operators of Martin Poultry and Cattle Farm for 30 years. He was employed at JESCO, Inc. Construction, where he retired after 50 years of service as a Senior/General Superintendent. While at JESCO, a few of his notable projects include the Tupelo Coliseum, People’s Bank & Trust Company, IJC Fine Arts Center, NMMC Bed Towers and Garage Expansions, and the Camp 32 Maximum Security Prison at Parchman. Dale was known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail and great leadership skills. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching the Ole Miss Rebels, the New Orleans Saints, and the IAHS Indians play football. According to Steven McNeece, Maggie, Jud and his sons-in-law, Dale might have been a “closet” Mississippi State Bulldog Fan… NOT! He also enjoyed donating his time to various charities and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.
Services will be at 3:00 PM on Tuesday May 20, 2025, at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Fulton with Bro. Jackie Gray officiating. Anderson Martin will deliver the eulogy. Burial will be in the Keyes Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until the start of the service.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Mary Nan Martin; one son, Kelly Martin (Beth); two daughters, Karen Brewer (James) and Belinda Oakley (Jon); five grandchildren, Ben Brewer (Harlee), Maggie Brewer Hayes, Anderson Martin, Eliza Oakley and Jud Oakley; two great grandchildren, Cullen Brewer and Warren Brewer.
He was preceded in death by one brother, George T. Martin; two sisters, Willena Comer and Lois Comer; his best friend, Raymond T. “Mickey” West; and his parents.
Pallbearers will be Ben Brewer, Anderson Martin, Jud Oakley, Chris Marlin, Michael Martin, Matt Gray, Blake Sheffield, Bill Howell, Mark A. Martin, and Chris Swindle.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Riley, Perry Gann, Chad Martin, Jim Johnson, Branyan Johnson, Bobby Blake, Bryan Martin, David West, Randy West, Pat West, Wayne Thorn, Eric Thorn, Ricky Lesley, Steven McNeece, Tony Falls, Jerry Maxcy, Steven Staub, Greg Wall, Don Sheffield, Frank Sheffield, JESCO Employees, and Richmond Masonic Lodge # 97.
The Family of Dale Martin would like to express their most sincere appreciation to the management and staff of Countrywood Manor and Enabit Home Hospice for their excellent care and comfort for our loved one.
