FRANKLIN—William “Billy” Martin Jr., 63, of Franklin passed away peacefully at Norfolk Sentara Heart Hospital Monday, February 25, 2013, surrounded by his family.

A native of Alexandria, Va., he was born July 3, 1949.

Billy’s greatest achievement in life was being a father. Ethan is forever “the apple of his Daddy’s eye.”

His life was characterized by smiles. Billy made everyone laugh. From his easygoing chuckle to a smooth burst of laughter, his humor never faded and was there until the end.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Martin.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Wanda Martin; his beloved son, Ethan N. Martin; his father, William N. Martin Sr. and stepmother Virginia Martin; three sisters, Doris Miller, Joan Gray and Maxine Rivers; brother, Anthony Martin; and a niece, nephews, cousins and a multitude of treasured friends.

The celebration of Billy’s life was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2013, at Piney Grove Baptist Church, Franklin, Va.

Engram Funeral Home, 1001 Armory Drive, Franklin, Va., was in charge of arrangements.

Instead of flowers, it was Billy’s deepest wish that donations be made to Ethan’s college fund on his behalf.