William Seth Martin, 97, of Statesville, N.C., passed away peacefully on September 3, 2024. He was born March 19, 1927, in Iredell County to the late Warren and Mabel Martin. He graduated from Harmony High School and briefly attended Mitchell Community College before enlisting in the United States Navy. Mr. Martin served from 1946-1948 during the World War II peace-keeping mission in the Pacific, earning the “Victory WWII” medal. His time in the Navy as an Electrician’s Mate afforded him the opportunity to learn electronics and electrical services which became his life’s career.
On November 4, 1962, he married the late Mary Jane Jacobs of Tabor City, N.C. They moved to Winston-Salem and later permanently settled in Statesville to start their family. Acquiring his state electrical license through Mitchell Community College classes, he started his own business for a few years. Later, he began working in the maintenance division of various manufacturing facilities as an electrician, ultimately retiring from Rubbermaid Industries.
Along with his parents and devoted wife, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jim, George, and John Martin; and his sister, Mary Jo Alexander.
Survivors include two daughters, Cindy (David) Holcomb and Renee Shaver (special friend, Chris Bumgarner); four grandchildren, Jessica and Ethan Bunton, and Sabrina and Jake Shaver; and two great grandsons. He also leaves behind two sisters, Carol Windsor of Statesville and Lucille Caviness of Asheboro; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Fairview Baptist Church in Statesville with Rev. Dr. Scott Eanes and Rev. Paul Hill officiating, and Mr. Martin’s cousin, John Douglas Jr., giving the eulogy. The family will receive friends and extended family from 2 until 3 p.m. Burial will immediately follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will include Dr. Kenny Miller, Randy Martin, David Holcomb, Ethan Bunton, Jake Shaver, and Chris Bumgarner. Honorary pallbearers include John Douglas Jr., John Lundy, and Robert Tomlin, who were frequent visitors over the past several years, sharing stories and taking him out for lunch.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Mr. Martin’s caregivers over the past few years, Lillian Lackey and Nicole Skeens, as well as close family and friends for their support. Your loving care and kindness will never be forgotten. They would also like to thank the nurses, chaplain, and staff at Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County for their services over the past several months. In addition, many thanks are given to Brad Stroud and Gennifer Hill for their devotion in providing services through the Veterans Administration to aid in the care of Mr. Martin.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Legion Post #113, PO Box 62, Harmony, NC 28634.
Condolences for the family may be given online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Martin.