Retired Ashland, Va. Police Chief Bill Martin Passes Away

William C. “Bill” Martin, 82, of Ashland, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, September 10, 2025.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Freddie and Nannie Martin and is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy Martin; three sons, Chris Martin, Brian Martin, Scott Martin and his wife Samanthia; three grandchildren, Savanna, Cameron, and Poppy Martin; a host of nieces and nephews; as well as special friends, Jimmy and Bettie Sue Mills.

Bill began his career with the Town of Ashland Police Department in 1966, retiring in 2000 as Chief of Police.  After retirement, he was elected to Ashland Town Council and was the Vice Mayor for most of his two-term tenure on the Town Council.  Bill was a member of New Highland Baptist Church, Washington and Henry Lodge No. 344 AF & AM, and was a lifetime member of Ashland Volunteer Fire Department.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd.  Graveside services will be private.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to New Highland Baptist Church, 9200 New Ashcake Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23116 (or online at newhighland.org); or Soar 365, 3600 Saunders Ave, Richmond, VA 23227 (or online at soar365.org).