William Freemont "Bill" Martin

Asheville William Freemont Bill Martin, 74, of 52 Independence Blvd, passed away unexpectantly Sunday, August 14, 2005. He was a gentle and kind man who was loved by many. He will be missed by his friends and family. He taught his family the meaning of love, togetherness, giving and helping others. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of Azalea-Oteen United Methodist Church. He was a very active volunteer with Special Olympics, WNC Nature Center, Rhododendron Civitan Club, Red Cross Disaster Relief, N.C. Mountain State Fair and Friends of the Nature Center. Mr. Martin worked with the Cove and Buncombe County PEP program. Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Mary Julia Holesapple Martin of the home; daughter, Jackie Quinn and husband, Stephen of Asheville; grandchildren, Treva Cross and husband, Lacy and Jason Ratcliff all of Asheville; great grandchildren, Kaley, Justin and Mitchell; sister, Wilma Hawkins. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home with the Rev. Doug Benton officiating. Burial will be in the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Asheville High JR.ROTC. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.