Billy Ray Martin

Billy Ray Martin of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away on March 13, 2026, at the age of 73. Born on June 6, 1952, in Mount Vernon, Illinois, to Delbert and Pat Thomas Martin, Bill served his country as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he dedicated more than thirty years to his career as a truck driver. In 1992 he moved from Aurora, Illinois, to Mountain Home, where he became a longtime member of the Mountain Home Church of Christ.

Bill took great pride in his children and grandchildren, openly bragging about their accomplishments to anyone who would listen. He shared his deep love of nature and fishing with everyone, especially his grandsons, creating cherished memories along the way. Known as a friend to all, he was always willing to lend a helping hand or offer a ride whenever he was able.

He is survived by his wife, Kari Martin, of the home; his daughter, Christie Martin of West Dundee, Illinois; his son, Corey (Angie Jones) Saylor of Gassville, Arkansas; his daughter, Emily (Christopher Jolly) Saylor of Scottville, Michigan; four grandchildren, Brianna Adams, Cayden Jones, Blayne Saylor, and Jaxxon Jones; five brothers, Terry (Hannah) Martin, Jake (Linda) Martin, Mark Martin, David (Nina) Martin, and Steve (Alisha Rice) Martin; and one sister, Debbie (Skip) Schmidt. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Pat Martin, and two brothers, Chuck and Jeff Martin.