William Albert Martin Jr.

William Albert Martin, Jr.

March 10, 1928 – August 18, 2024

Bill was born in Los Angeles, California on March 10, 1928. He passed away on August 18, 2024 in Murrieta, CA, having lived a full life. He lived life with purpose, determination, and devotion to his family. His hobbies included photography, music, physical exercise, stock market investing, reading books and the Wall Street Journal, wine tasting, and watching Jeopardy.

Before Bill was five years old, he and his mother moved from Los Angeles to Lovelock, Nevada. Around 1933, they moved to a ranch in Galt, California where Bill’s mother worked as a cook. There, Bill learned how to ride (western saddle) and take care of farm animals. He had vivid memories of raising pigs for projects in the 4H club, including a prize-winning Poland China hog. But his most vivid memories are of his horse, Chubby, whom he credited with saving his life. Visiting a friend on a dirt road, Bill fell off Chubby and was lying in a ditch unconscious with a broken leg. When Bill awoke in the hospital, he realized that Chubby stood by his side until a passerby rescued him. At age 10, Bill moved with his mother to Modesto, California. The highlight of living there was playing the trumpet in the school orchestra. As a result, Bill enjoyed music for the rest of his life. In 1940, Bill and his mother moved back to Los Angeles. In high school, as a member of the American Chemistry Society, Bill attended a competition at UCLA which eventually led him to receive a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from UCLA.

Bill met Lou Ella, his wife of 72 years, at the UCLA Chemistry Club. Lulu was the love of his life. They enjoyed backpacking, traveling, and genealogy, having written many hardcover books about their ancestors. But their main focus was on their children, who still visit often. Bill loved Lulu’s homemade meals, especially her brownies! He enjoyed taking after dinner walks with her for years and especially liked walking their German Shepherds, Max and Jake. Their beagle, Pal, liked running away more than going for walks. Bill had quite a career working at Shell Oil Company for 38 years, starting as a chemical engineer and moving into upper management. Each time he accepted a job promotion, he was transferred to work at a new refinery. For that reason, Bill, Lou Ella, and their family moved from California to New Jersey, Washington, and New Mexico. In 1970, Bill was transferred back to California and continued in various management positions. Bill earned his Master of Business Administration at CSULB in 1975. After retirement, Bill and Lou Ella moved to Murrieta, CA, where they enjoyed golfing and being a part of their community’s genealogy club.

Family meant the world to Bill. He often spoke lovingly of his mother, father, stepmother, wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He established the tradition of family celebrations, where even non-family members felt welcomed. Bill will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Heady Randeberg; his father, William Martin, Sr.; his stepmother, Josephine Martin, and his son-in-law, Clyde Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Lou Ella Martin; his daughters, Patty Johnson, Tina Martinez, and Kathleen Higgins; his son, Steven Martin; sons-in-law, Clark Hilden and Keith Higgins; grandchildren, Christina Johnson, Maria Martinez, Jasmine Stitt, Rachel Martin, Diana Martinez, Danielle Martin, Ian Martin, and Stacie Summers; and great grandchildren, Evelyn Stitt, Adeline Stitt, and Lydia Summers.

In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to send a donation in William Martin’s memory to the American Heart Association.

There will be a Celebration of Life for William Martin on November 29, 2024 in Murrieta, CA.