Charles William Martin

CHARLES WILLIAM MARTIN (C.W.), 68, of Jacksonville, Ark., went to be with the Lord on Feb. 19, 2015. He was born in Dumas, Ark. on Oct. 15, 1946 to the late Houston Sam and Nancy Crain Martin. He graduated from Watson High School in 1964. C.W. was raised in a Christian home, and loved the Lord from a young age. He attended Arkansas Agricultural and Mechanical College and received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Degree. While attending Arkansas A&M, he met Lynda Miller on a blind date set up by mutual friends. Sparks flew and 11 months later they were married on Aug. 21, 1971. C.W. and Lynda moved to Jonesboro, Ark. where C.W. continued his education at Arkansas State University and earned a Master of Science in Education. While attending college, C.W. was drafted into the Army and served with distinction in Vietnam. C.W. would later join the Air Force and serve 18 years as a pilot. For his combined service he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, AF Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Organizational Excellence Award, National Defense Service Medal, AF Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon with Three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Training Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge. He retired in 1992 after 20 combined years of military service. Upon retiring from the military he continued his career as a pilot for the next 19 years. Over the course of his military and civilian career he accumulated a combined total of over 14,000 flight hours. C.W. is survived by his wife, Lynda, of 43 years; his children and their spouses, Marty and Wanda Martin, and their children, Hannah, Beau, and D.J.; Jeff and Liz Martin, and their children, McKinley and Olivia; Ruthanne and A.J. Genco and their children, Hunter, Shelby, Andrew, Calvin and K.C.; two Goddaughters, Audra Raus and Kendra Jacobs; his brothers, David and Mike Martin; a host of nieces and nephews; and many, many friends. C.W. was preceded in death by his parents, Houston and Nancy Martin and his sister, Ethel Lee Martin. C.W. lived his life in service to others, his legacy is one of deep abiding faith, humility and family. Visitation will be Monday, Feb. 23 from 6-8 p.m. at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home, 1504 N. JP Wright Loop Road, Jacksonville, Ark. Service will be Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 401 North First Street, Jacksonville, Ark. Interment will be at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at 1 p.m. Arrangements by Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home & Crematory (501) 982-2136. Sign online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.