Martin attended the University of Arkansas from 1913 to 1914, graduating from Hendrix College with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

His final appointment before election to the episcopacy was First Methodist Church, Dallas, Texas, from 1931 to 1938.

Martin was elected a delegate to the Methodist Episcopal Church South General Conference in 1938.

William Clyde Martin was elected a bishop at the last General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church South in 1938.

Bishop Martin was President of the National Council of Churches in the United States during 1953–54.

Nebraska Wesleyan University gave Bishop Martin a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)