William Van “Bill” Martin

William Van Martin (“Bill”) passed away on June 20, 2017 at his residence in Benson, NC. He was a loving father, artist, devoted friend, and talented musician. Bill was the rock to his family – the person they turned to as a confidante and compassionate listener. With this came the role of handyman as well – Bill was the guy who would happily paint a wall, fix a car, or hang a shelf. For decades Bill worked in television media, but his true passion was music. He spent his evenings and weekends composing and playing songs that his friends and family describe as amazing, lively, and diverse.  It was common for him to call just to play something new. And, he might be shredding on a guitar, serenading on a piano, or picking a mandolin. As a talented artist, who followed in his mother’s foot steps, Bill also excelled at drawing and painting – capturing the essence of those around him with pencils on canvas. Bill was most excited to become a grandfather in August of this year. He is survived by daughter Rebecca Louise Pastrana, whom he called ‘Weezy’ (husband Marco Antonio Pastrana); father, Henry Marshall Martin, Sr.; brother, Henry Marshall Martin, Jr.; and two sisters, Kathryn Sonia Holliday and Elisabeth M. Ellinger. His mother, Barbara Kleinert Stallings, preceded him in death in 2013. Services to honor his life and his family will be held Monday, June 26 at First Baptist Church of Garner 601 St. Mary’s Street Garner, NC 27529. Visitation begins at 12:30 p.m. with a service to follow at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Travis Tobin as the officiant.