William Henry Martz, III
February 5, 1950 ~ August 17, 2025
William Henry Martz III (“Bill”), 75, of Vero, Florida, passed away on August 17, 2025. He was born on February 5, 1950, in Sarasota, Florida, to William Henry Martz II and Corrine Bailey Martz, and was raised in Southeast Florida.
Bill spent most of his life along Florida’s Atlantic coast, where he found joy in the water and outdoors. An avid fisherman and sportsman, he was happiest with a line in the ocean or a breeze on his face. Professionally, he worked as a yacht broker, turning his passion for boats into a lifelong career. He often described himself as a true “Florida Cracker,” though he liked to joke that he never did wrestle an alligator.
For many years, Bill shared his life with his devoted companion, Debra Luten. Together they made a warm and happy home until illness required Bill to relocate to Gainesville to be near his sister, where he spent his final year surrounded by family.
He is survived by his sister, Rhonda Jane Martz, and her husband, Donald A. Smith, of Gainesville, Florida; his niece, Tina Marie Brake (Barry); and two great-nephews, Kyle and Logan, of Kentucky.
Bill valued his friendships deeply, none more than his lifelong bond with Marty Nichols (and his wife Sandy) of DeLand, Florida, who remained his closest friend from junior high through the end of his days. His beloved standard poodles, Bo and Grits, were also constant companions and will be interred with him.
Bill will be remembered for his humor, loyalty, and the love he gave to family, friends, and animals alike. His spirit will remain forever tied to the waters and wild places of Florida that shaped his life.
Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Martz family.
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A friend for over 40 years, great guy and a loyal friend.
God bless,
Rick Grajirena
Bill and I spent many hours together both at work and fishing. A great guy and a real mans man. He will be missed by all who knew him.
My sincere condolences to JoJo and his family.
My big brother was always my protector. He was dealt a devastating disease that he handled the best he could and I tried to protect him the best I could. He lost his battle but not his dignity. He died comfortably and is now at peace. I will miss him terribly. Much love my big brother. 🥰 OK
Bill was my brother in law. He was a fine man and a good friend. I was close to him in his final hours.
He passed peacefully with his sister (my wife) Rhonda at his side. He lived close to us in central Florida for almost a year. Even though he was a hundred miles from either coast he still felt closest to the water. We went with him to Silver Springs and to local state parks during that year and also visited his best friend and some visited him. He loved the ocean but it was apparently he loved his friends even more. He talked about them all the time and it comforted him.
I have briefly interacted with Bill throughout the years, but felt close because of my great relationship and respect and love for his sister Rhonda and her husband Don and family! Rest in peace and free of pain, Bill❤️🩹✝️
Bill and I worked and fished together for decades. He was an engaging, kind-hearted guy with a wonderful sense of humor. Everyone in my family enjoyed his company and his friendship. He will be sorely missed.
We met Bill at a local wine tasting in Stuart, Florida, he was attending with his dear friend, Diana McDougall, almost 20 years ago. The two of them had struck up a conversation with a British couple next to them when we approached. The 6 of us sat together for dinner and after a nightcap at the Triangle bar we all agreed it was a lovely evening and we’d like to meet again! This began a wonderful friendship! Bill was funny, critical, caring and clever! We miss him. Rest in power dear friend!
My heart is saddened with the news of Bill’s passing. He was an awesome big brother to his little sister and she was amazing in caring for him! Bill is at peace, may the angels watch over him always!