William Dawkins Martinson

William Dawkins Martinson passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, just weeks after celebrating his ninety-fifth birthday. He passed peacefully at his home in Wicksburg, Alabama, surrounded by family and holding the hand of his sweetheart  

Born on March 2, 1931, in Abbeville, Alabama, William was a dearly loved husband, stepfather, brother, uncle, and faithful friend to many. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Sue; his parents, Reuben and Evelyn Martinson; his beloved sister, Mary Julia Lee; and his brother-in-law, Dr. Rufus E. Lee, Jr. He is survived by hisfour stepsons, Mark, Michael, Matthew, and Merritt Smith; his nephews, Russell Lee (Pat) and Chris Lee (Vera); his niece, Stacy Lee Hall (David); numerous great-nephews and nieces; and hisbeloved sweetheart, Ludine Foxworth.

Bill graduated from Abbeville High School in 1949 and earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Troy University. He went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Following his military service, he spent many years teaching in Joliet, Illinois, while also engaging in real estate.

In 2003, Bill returned to the Wiregrass, where he embraced a quiet and fulfilling life. He continued his lifelong love of animals, raising cows, sheep, goats, and llamas in his “backyard.”

A man of steady and abiding faith, Bill was most recently active at Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church in Newton. In his later years, he also found joy in fellowship and service through The Ark of Dothan and the Senior Center in Taylor.

Visitation will be held at Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 21, 2026, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. Sam Bodo and Ken Chancellor will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Benjamin Henderson, Cameron Henderson, Chris Lee, Ross Lee, Russell Lee and Zackery Whaley.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Mary Julia Lee Chrysalis Home for Girls or The Ark of Dothan.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to Dr. William Hundley, Dr. Hejal Patel, Dr. Krishna Basarakodu, Melissa Watson and her Joykeepers, and the entire team at Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate and devoted care. 

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