Wilburn Jay “Pete” Martin, age 80, of Dayton, Texas, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at his residence in Dayton, Texas. Pete was born on Sept. 29, 1944, in Houston, Texas, to the late Talmadge Jefferson “TJ” and Nellie Gill Martin.
Pete was a man of many passions and talents. In his younger years, he found joy in deer hunting and had a deep love for music, which remained with him throughout his life. He was a gifted singer and drummer, always keeping perfect time with songs. His love for music was matched only by his appreciation for humor—his dad jokes were legendary and always “off the chain.” A creative spirit, Pete enjoyed drawing pictures of the kids, writing poetry, and building things with his hands. He had a special gift for whistling, a sound that brought smiles to those around him.
A devout man, Pete was dedicated to his faith and found great fulfillment in attending church. His love and devotion extended beyond his faith to his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and Pawpaw who deeply cherished the people in his life. Pete’s loyalty and passion for his loved ones were evident in everything he did.
Pete was a proud member of the alumni class of 1962 from Smiley High School in Houston, Texas. He dedicated 30 years of his career as a parts manager at Big Tex Air Conditioning before retiring.
On April 19, 1968, Pete married the love of his life, Eleanor Fay Martin, just ten days after her birthday. Their love and devotion spanned 56 beautiful years.
Pete is preceded in death by his parents, TJ and Nellie Martin, and his six siblings: Gertrude, Doris, Lenwood, Lendell, Geneva, and Robert. He is survived by his beloved wife, Eleanor Martin; his daughters, Angela Smith and husband Samuel, Tammie Dudley and husband Greg, JaNell Mitchell and husband Robert, and Machell Perryman and husband Kenneth Jr.; his cherished grandchildren, Jennifer Smith, Abigail Reed and husband Matthew, Erin Dudley, Katelynn Dudley, Robby Mitchell Jr., Colin Perryman, Savannah Perryman, Kenneth Perryman III and wife Rachel, and Courtney Chaney and husband Dylan; and his great-grandchildren, Tanner Bailey, Regan Bailey, Darien Jackson, Drake Jackson, Kenneth Perryman IV, and Alex Chaney. He also leaves behind a host of other relatives and friends who will forever treasure his memory.
Friends are invited to visit with the family at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Old River Baptist Church. A funeral service will begin at 2 p.m., officiated by Dr. Wes Hinote. Following the service, Pete will be laid to rest at Splendora Cemetery in Splendora, Texas, during a graveside and committal service.
Honoring the family as serving as pallbearers are Robby Mitchell, Colin Perryman, Marty Jackson, Brent Sklar, Randy Stockwell, and Tim Neely.
Pete’s legacy of love, laughter, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
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