Billie Edward Martin

Funeral services for Dr. Billie Edward Martin, 92, of Gainesville, are set for 10:00 AM Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home with Bro. Larry Huffman officiating. Burial will follow at a later date at the Jones Chastain Cemetery in Nixa, MO. No visitation is planned.

Billie was born on July 30, 1925 in Ozark, MO. to Melvin Martin and Irene (Blevins) Martin. He passed away on April 13, 2018 in Gainesville.

Being an only child, he grew up reading and doing all of the things country boys do. Billie enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII and served as a radio operator aboard the USS Griswold (DE-7). He was subsequently called back during the Korean War for another two years.  Billie attended the University of Missouri in Columbia earning his Doctor of Education in 1965. While attending school, he pastored 2 small churches in the country. Upon graduating, he moved to Texas and began his career at the University of North Texas until retirement.

Billie is survived by his wife Janie Martin of Gainesville; son Dr. Ken Martin and his wife Dana of Malvern, AR.; step-son Keith Weaver of Longview; step-daughter Gayle Fitch and her husband Danny of Longview; step-daughter Carol High of Royce City; step-daughter Debbie Thomas of Lake Tawakoni; step-son Lynn Thomas of Gainesville; 19 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen; parents; and son Dane Martin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Home Hospice or charity of choice.