Obituary for William Spencer "Billy" Martin
WILLIAM SPENCER"BILLY"MARTIN
When his parents gave him a pony named Nifty, and riding lessons, they probably had no idea it would lead to their younger son's calling. He learned his lessons well and went on to ride for Hall Of Fame trainer Mickey Smithwick, riding his first winner, Wine Scandal. In Maryland, he also rode for Thomas Voss. He was named National Apprentice Rider in 1978.
He moved to South Carolina to ride for Hall of Fame trainer Frank Whitely for many years, finishing up a half-century of horsemanship at Springdale Race Course, in Camden, South Carolina.
Billy rode champion mounts Flatterer, Declare Your Wish, Happy Intellectual, Census, and Straight and True, at tracks including Belmont, Saratoga, Monmouth Park, Delaware Park, Fair Hill, and numerous Hunt Meets.
Born July 22, 1949. He was predeceased by his parents Lillie B Martin and William V Martin,
survived by his brother Samuel E Martin and Nannette Martin, his niece Samantha Martin and nephew Scott Martin and many life-long friends in Maryland and South Carolina, those his Wednesday Night Poker pals with whom he played for 35 years.
In the end Billy was greatly comforted by the many visits and calls and affection from his brother, Charlie Mike, Buddy Rushing, and those many true friends who greatly loved him. Especially crucial was Meg Douglas, with her tireless energy, loving care and constant companionship in the final months.
RIDERS UP!
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 11:00 AM, at Rock Run Cemetery, 4102 Rock Run Road, Havre de Grace, MD 21078.
Online condolences may be made at www.zellmanfuneralhome.com.
When his parents gave him a pony named Nifty, and riding lessons, they probably had no idea it would lead to their younger son's calling. He learned his lessons well and went on to ride for Hall Of Fame trainer Mickey Smithwick, riding his first winner, Wine Scandal. In Maryland, he also rode for Thomas Voss. He was named National Apprentice Rider in 1978.
He moved to South Carolina to ride for Hall of Fame trainer Frank Whitely for many years, finishing up a half-century of horsemanship at Springdale Race Course, in Camden, South Carolina.
Billy rode champion mounts Flatterer, Declare Your Wish, Happy Intellectual, Census, and Straight and True, at tracks including Belmont, Saratoga, Monmouth Park, Delaware Park, Fair Hill, and numerous Hunt Meets.
Born July 22, 1949. He was predeceased by his parents Lillie B Martin and William V Martin,
survived by his brother Samuel E Martin and Nannette Martin, his niece Samantha Martin and nephew Scott Martin and many life-long friends in Maryland and South Carolina, those his Wednesday Night Poker pals with whom he played for 35 years.
In the end Billy was greatly comforted by the many visits and calls and affection from his brother, Charlie Mike, Buddy Rushing, and those many true friends who greatly loved him. Especially crucial was Meg Douglas, with her tireless energy, loving care and constant companionship in the final months.
RIDERS UP!
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 11:00 AM, at Rock Run Cemetery, 4102 Rock Run Road, Havre de Grace, MD 21078.
Online condolences may be made at www.zellmanfuneralhome.com.