Billy was born October 21, 1942, in Mason, Texas, to Clay and Leona Martin. The third of four boys, he grew up on Lone Mountain, where life was simple, water came straight from the garden hose, and baths were taken only when absolutely necessary.
Billy made Sutton County his home in 1969 and spent his life doing what he loved—working the land and helping others. Sitting around wasn’t really his style. He was happiest outdoors, and more often than not, you could find him on the back of a horse, helping a local rancher wherever needed. He was usually up before the sun and just as happy to call it a day early.
One of Billy’s favorite pastimes was black powder shooting, and he especially looked forward to his trips to Fort Davis for Rendezvous. Those trips gave him a chance to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with friends, and do something he truly loved.
And if you knew Billy, there was a good chance you knew about his barbecued goat. It was famous in the family and regularly requested by his kids. No family reunion in London, Texas, was quite complete without Billy cooking goat meat. It became one of those family traditions—and memories—that everyone will carry with them.
Billy loved his church and his church family at Hope Lutheran Church in Sonora. His faith was an important part of who he was and how he lived his life. He also believed in giving back to the community he called home and considered it a honor to serve as a trustee of The John and Mildred Cauthorn Charitable Trust for many years.
For 39 years, Billy shared his life with his wife, Martha. After cancelling their first date to have surgery, he must have done something right to earn a second chance, because the two went on to build a life together filled with animals, family, memories, and plenty of stories along the way. He was a husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, and friend, and his family was an important part of the life he built.
Billy leaves behind his wife, Martha; his children, Lee Ann Holt and Steve Morriss of Sonora, Tammy and husband Joe Shannon of Pleasanton, and Mikal and wife Debbie Martin of Panhandle. He is also survived by his brothers, Sammy Martin of Mason and Bobby Martin of Junction.
Billy was grandfather to Ethan and Stephani Morriss, Jeremy Massey, Josh Green, Shawnee and husband Dustin Pike, Cordale Martin, Ryan and Samantha Shannon, Matt Shannon, and Kaycie and Jacob McCaleb. He also had numerous great-grandchildren.
Welcoming him home were his parents, Clay and Leona Martin; his brother, Nathaniel Martin; and his great-grandson, Hudson Shannon, numerous family, friends and animals.
Billy didn’t need anything fancy to enjoy life. Give him a horse to ride, some sheep to round-up, his container of well water to drink, a black powder Rendezvous to look forward to, or a Friday night game of 42 at The Webb’s, and he was content.
A memorial service for Billy will be held on November 13, 2026 at 11am, Hope Lutheran Church, Sonora.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to West Texas Boys Ranch, West Texas Rehab, or the charity of your choice.
