Rev. Willis Dale Martin, 79, of Crossville, TN, died June 17, 2015 at home surrounded by loved ones. He was born July 5,1935, in Catlettsburg, KY, son to the late C.A. “Bill” and Sybil Goodall Martin.
Dale attended and graduated from Scarritt College with a degree in Theology. He started preaching at the early age of 13 and went on to a career of being a pastor of the Nazarene church throughout the Southeast U.S., including Texas, for 58 years. Once his career as a pastor closed, he then went on to continue his ministry as an evangelist for 33 years. He took every opportunity to spread God’s Word to everyone he met.
Dale was blessed with the gift of humor, and would light up any room with his smile and contagious laugh. He never knew a stranger. He loved children, gospel music, and his Kentucky Wildcats.
He is survived by his daughter, Marcia Martin Hanshaw, 3 grandchildren Madison Hanshaw and his wife Meg, Meredith Hanshaw, Madeline Foster and her husband Jake. In addition to his daughter and grandchildren, survivors also include 3 cousins, his sister-in-law, Frankie Matyne Martin, 2 nephews Steve Martin and wife Debbie, Sean Martin and wife Audra, and neice Bethanne Clarke and husband Kevin.
He will always be remembered as a warrior for Christ. he touched the lives of so many people during his 79 years of life. He was a loving father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. He will be greatly missed.
The family will receive friends at Crossville Memorial Funeral Home on Sunday, June 21, 2015, from 2 to 4pm with service to follow. Freddie Savage and Mike Reagan will officiate. Burial will be in Crossville City Cemetery on Monday, June 22, 2015, at 10:00am.
I am writing this late as I just read of his death. Dale was a good friend that often visited with us here in Texas. I talked with him shortly before his death and sent him messages. Dale will be greatly missed. I send our love and prayers to his daughter,his grandchildren, his cousins and other who love him very much.
Harold & Bettie Graves
Was so sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. Several years ago Dale held a revival for us here at Catlettsburg Southside and we really enjoyed his ministry. In fact he later took membership in the church. I had lost contact with him the last few years and just learned of his passing at church yesterday. Just wanted to let you know I was so sorry to hear and our thoughts are with you.