Bill Martin

Billie Hoyt Martin, 86, passed this life on September 27, 2026, while surrounded by his loving family. Bill, as he was known to most people, was born on June 7, 1940, to Lawrence and Lois Martin. 

He lived the majority of his life in East Tupelo and attended grade school in Mooreville and Plantersville. His family lived for a short period in Tucson, Arizona, where he graduated high school. He then attended Itawamba Community College on the Tupelo campus. He married Annie Brewer on February 3, 1968, and they had two daughters, Rachel and Mona. They were married for 54 years at the time of Annie’s passing in 2022. Bill was a devoted family man and loved the congregation where he worshiped at East Main Church of Christ. He also served as an elder and Bible class teacher at the church.

He was especially proud of his daughters and his grandchildren, Dillard Scribner, Belle Roberts, and Lexi Roberts, and his great-grandson, Cyrus Scribner. The kids all called him Pop, and he was always present and supportive, attending ballgames, school functions, and anything the kids were involved in. He just absolutely loved his family.

Bill worked for Phillip Morris Tobacco Company in his younger years. After that, he worked for Federated Insurance Company until he retired after a 25-year career. Following his retirement, Bill ran for and was elected to serve as a councilman for Tupelo Ward 5. His campaign slogan was “Revive Ward 5.” Being a councilman was something that Bill really enjoyed doing, and along with his wife, Annie, he was involved in many community activities, such as the Azalea Festival and the Presley Heights Neighborhood Association.

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Annie Brewer Martin.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Rachel Scribner (Hugh) and Mona Johnson (Chad); three grandchildren, Dillard Scribner (Trish), Belle Roberts, and Lexi Roberts; one great-grandson, Cyrus Scribner; one sister, Terri Hall; and niece Tammy Roberts (Brian).

The family would like to extend a special thanks to his Visiting Angels: Benita, Mary, Lynn, Angela, Tracy, Jayla, and Shirley.

Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. until service time on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues in Tupelo, with Bro. Troy McNutt officiating. A graveside service will follow at Tupelo Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers are Rafael Milan, Woody Turner, Terry Turner, Evan Houston, Van Rodgers, Len Schaefer and Andy Baldwyn.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Tupelo City Council.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.