William Bryan Martin, age 79, of Hondo passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2003. He was born in Vera (Knox Co.), Nov. 2, 1923, to Dolph and Jossie Spears Martin. His family moved to Gilliland in January 1925, all childhood years were spent there. After graduating from school, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps being stationed in Wyoming until Sept. 1942. In Nov. 1942 he volunteered for the Merchant Marines serving in dangerous zones until WW II ended. W.B. moved to Houston in the fall of 1947, where he was employed by P.T.R.A. Port Terminal Railroad. He started at the bottom as a laborer. He learned to love the railroad and spent the rest of his working years; advancing to yard master very quickly. Working almost 40 years with the P.T.R.A., he made many loving friends. William B. married May Dell Johnson on June 6, 1947. They adopted an infant baby girl, their only child. After retirement they wanted out of the large city and settled in Hondo in 1985. Having a young life in farming, he had a large and beautiful landscape and garden. He was known around town as "The Tomato Man". May Dell passed away May 21, 1997. After renewing the acquaintance of a Gilliland childhood school sweetheart, Lucielle, they were married May 4, 1998. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Hondo. He was preceded in death by his beautiful daughter of 18 years, Donna Dell, in 1973; mother, Jossie Spears Martin in 1942 and father in 1980. He is survived by his wife; brother, Homer and wife Ruby of Seymour; sisters, Gladys Meek of Seymour and Ella Grace Dowdle and husband W.K of Azle; stepsons, James Leon and wife Betty Jane, Gary Don and wife Susan Langston; stepdaughter, Renee Boatright, all of Rockport; host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends. A memorial service will be held Thursday, Apr. 10, 3 p.m., at First Baptist Church, Hondo, with Chaplain Ed Gates officiating.