William “Bill” Henry Martell, 84, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2016 at White Oak Manor in Burlington, North Carolina. Bill was born in Boston, Massachusetts and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps immediately upon graduating from high school in 1949. At age 25, Bill met the love of his life, Anne Louise Wissing, and they were married on April 21, 1956. Anne and Bill celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year with their closest family members!

Bill proudly served his country for 23 years which included several combat tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam. Master Sergeant Martell retired in 1972. Miraculously, those years also included the birth of the couple’s five children who were then raised in several states and who could all deliver an enthusiastic rendition of the “Marine Corps Hymn” by age five.

A devout Catholic, Bill’s military career was followed by a second career as an electrical engineer for Northern Telcom. In his spare time, Bill could be found waterskiing, camping and fishing, and then more recently visiting his grandchildren, walking, and enjoying bourbon balls. Bill was also a life member of the Knights of Columbus, Moose Lodge, and American Legion.

Bill is survived by his wife, Anne Martell, his five children, Patricia Averre (and husband Chuck), Mary O’Neill (and husband Garry), Carol Martell, and James Martell, all of Raleigh, North Carolina, Frank Martell (and his late wife Jennifer) is living in Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Bill is also survived by four grandchildren, Phillip Averre, Michelle Averre, Curtis Averre, and Tyler O’Neill, also from North Carolina. In addition, he is survived by two sisters, Pam Brown of Oregon and Joan Wolfe of New Jersey.

Anne and Bill relocated to North Carolina from Homosassa, Florida earlier this year so a family service and ceremony are being planned. Special thanks to the caring staff at White Oak Manor in Burlington and Carolina Cremation in Salisbury for all their assistance and support. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Carolina Cremation of Salisbury is serving the Martell family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.