Walter Martin was born in Dayton, Ohio. In 1963, he obtained an Associate's Degree in Sociology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Walter married his sweetheart, Janice Perrin, on December 28, 1963.


Walter embarked on a career with General Motors in 1963. He is reported as being the first African American hired by GM. He worked in the insurance department, specifically as an auditor. After 41 years of dedicated service to GM, Walter retired.


After raising two daughters and several relocations throughout his career, Walter and Janice retired in The Villages, FL. Walter was very active in several organizations such as The African American Club of The Villages and the Sophisticated Gents of Florida. His motto has always been “Good things don’t just happen. Good things happen because people step up and help make good things happen”.


Walter served as president of The African Club of The Villages from 2007-2008 and 2009-2010.