Bill Martin was born in Turlock, CA to Eddie and Myrtle Martin. He attended Sacred Heart School and Turlock High School. He joined the Navy in 1964. While enlisted, he was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Air Station, just outside of Chicago, Illinois, where he met his first wife Wendy Breeden at a dance. The Navy assigned him to the USS Coral Sea, an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War.  After 7 months of duty and correspondence, Bill and Wendy married and had two children Bill Jr. and Julie. They settled in Fremont, CA. Bill went back to school and earned his Bachelor’s Degree at USF and went into the banking world where he excelled for 45 years.  Bill longed to go home to Turlock so he moved his family back to his old stomping grounds. As life goes, Bill and Wendy divorced and he met a most delightful, and loving lady, Norma Hutchinson, with whom he shared 34 glorious years.

Bill was a very proud, self-made, take charge kind of man.  His presence was felt wherever he went.  He spent the majority of his career as a Branch Manager/Vice President for County Bank in Turlock and in Atwater and finally retiring from Rabobank.  He was a member of numerous organizations including: Knights of Columbus, Rotary, Clampers, Elks Lodge, Ducks Unlimited, VFW, Turlock Country Club, and The American Legion. He also was past President of the Cabrillo Club, a Director at CSUS Warriors Association, Director at Castle Air Museum and Director of Merced Trade Club. 

His interests included golf, going to SF Giants games, traveling the world, and most importantly spending time with his family. His generosity was felt by all who came in contact with him.

Bill was preceded in death by both parents and his sister Beverly Landolt. He is survived by his loving wife Norma, children; Bill Jr., Julie (Deann Pedretti), Cynthia Wickham, Craig (Donna) Hutchinson; grandkids Justin, Jake and Kylie Martin, Lauren Wickham, Sara and Christopher Hutchinson and two great-grandchildren.  He also leaves behind his brother, Frank Martin, sister, Barbara Presley, and extended family; Wendy Mello and Nicole Martin. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 1PM-2PM followed by a celebration of Bill’s life on January 21, 2017, at 2pm at the chapel of Turlock Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd, Turlock, CA, 95380. Burial will be private. Arrangements under the direction of Wilson Family Funeral Chapel, Atwater, CA. 209-358-7700