William H. "Bill" Martin, age 71, of The Plains, died Wednesday morning, June 14, 2023 at home with his family by his side. Born August 30,1952 in Athens, he was the son of the late James and Pauline Dyar Martin.

Bill attended Athens High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army buddy system with his friend, Dave Reeves, later becoming his brother-in-law. He was a Viet Nam War veteran from 1970-1973. Bill was proud to serve his country and was a lifetime member of the VFW 7174 and AMVETS 76 (Past Commander).  He was the Representative of the AMVETS on the Athens County Veterans Service Commission but had to resign because of his health. He served as a member of the Honor Guard and proudly put flags on veterans' graves annually. He was also a member of the American Legion. He worked for the City of Athens for 30 years and retired as foreman of the water department.

Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy Reeves Martin; his children, Kathy (David) Tate of Columbus and William Raymond Martin of Columbus; four grandchildren, Drew Tate, Sullivan Kastens, Jacey Martin and Kyndall Martin; a brother, Robert (Tammy) Martin of Dawsonville, Ga.; an uncle, Jack Martin of Shade; four sisters-in-law, Sandy (Marc "Cook") CoIIins, Juanita McLead, Kenna (Larry)Lee and Tina Reeves; a brother-in-law, John Reeves, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Annette Kastens.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, June 17th at 3:00 p.m. at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens. Friends may call 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.  Military Rites will be conducted by K.T. Crossen American Legion Post 21 and VFW Post 9893 Honor Guard at the funeral home.  A meal will be served at the Athens Am Vets immediately following the services.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the AMVETS Post 76 Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship Fund.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.