Viewing and Family Visitation
Friday, April 18th at 11:00am-6:30pm
E.M. Franklin Chapel

Musical Tribute
Friday, April 18th at 7:00pm
Main Sanctury

Homegoing Service
Saturday, April 19th at 11:00am
Main Sanctuary

All services will be held on the campus of :
St. James Missionary Baptist Church
3417 East Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Austin Texas 78721

About William “Bill The Mailman” Martin

William “Bill the Mailman” Martin was born in Asheville, North Carolina.  After graduating from Stephens Lee High School, he moved to New York City to further his studies.  He was a music lover and played tenor saxophone.  Pursuing a music career, he was accepted into the Julliard School of Music. Although elated over the opportunity to attend Julliard, Bill made a last minute decision to join the U.S. Air Force instead.  Bill served in Korea, Japan and England.  He was later assigned to Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas.  There, he would meet the love of his life, Evelyn “Tutter” Franklin.  They were married on April 9, 1955 and became the proud parents of William Jr., Toni, Terry, Lori and Lisa with the added joy of 14 grand- and 11 great-grandchildren.  Evelyn passed away on October 23, 2005 after 50 years of marriage.

While living in New York City, Bill worked for the NY Transit Authority as a subway motorman.  While in Austin, Texas, Bill worked as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service for 31 years, thus given the name, “Bill the Mailman”!

Bill has been on the radio for 34 years.  He was on air from 5:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m., every Sunday on KLGO-The Word-1490AM.  Bill joined the Gospel Music Workshop of America Announcers’ Guild in 1980.  His most recent honor is the  2013 Central South Distribution Trailblazer Announcer of the Year Award received in January at the 2013 Stellar Awards held in Nashville, TN.  He was also a Nominee for the 2013 Stellar Award Announcer of the Year category.  In July 2012, he was honored to receive Announcer of the Year at the 2012 Gospel Music Workshop of America.  Bill was the ONE and ONLY recipient at the 2012 Announcers Guild session which was awarded by President Al “The Bishop” Hobbs”.  Bill was stunned and humbled to receive this award for the first time in his 32 years of service to the convention.  He founded the Texas Gospel Announcers Guild (TGAG) in 1989 with just nine (9) members.  To date, TGAG has over 100 members representing over 25 radio stations throughout the state of Texas.   He has served as President of TGAG since the inception; the organization will celebrate its 23rd anniversary in November.  Bill is a faithful member of the St. James Baptist Church, pastored by Dr. B.W. McClendon.  There, he serves as a deacon, Director of General Services, executive board member, male chorus member and promotion resource liaison.   He has been instrumental in bringing some of the world’s best and well-known gospel artists to Austin and the Central Texas area.  Bill’s favorite pastime is golfing!

Bill is a model citizen and active community leader. His name is recognized in various circles and genres. Some noteworthy civic accomplishments include:

*Inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame — 2009

*First Gospel announcer on KAZI FM radio station in 1982

*Board member of the Texas Folklife Resource Center

*Named “Man of the Year” at St. James Missionary Baptist Church

*Regional Director of the Gospel Announcers Guild and National Advisor

*City Council recognized civic contributions, yielding June 18, 1982 as “Bill the Mailman” Day in Austin, TX

*Recognized by the mayor of Austin who proclaimed May 14, 1989 as “Bill the Mailman” Day

*Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award recipient

*Al Edwards Emancipation Un-Sung Hero Award recipient

*Capitol City Lions Club Community Service Award recipient

*Member of the “Veterans for Change” committee

*American Cancer Society and Jerry’s kids MD campaign volunteer & local organizer

*Negro College Fund campaign (Huston-Tillotson University) volunteer

*Received a meritorious sealed award in 1989, from Texas Governor William P. Clements, for dedicated service and actions shown in the protection of *Texas way of life and well-being of its citizens

*Charter and lifetime member and Board of Directors of the East Austin Optimist Club

Bill was a Gospel Music Hall of Fame Member and a living legend in Austin for over 35 years.