Raymond B. Martinez

Raymond Bert Martinez was born on August 18th 1940 to Raymond and Mary Martinez in Miami, Florida. He lived in Miami until his family moved to Cuba in 1950. His family returned to Hialeah, Florida in 1953 and he graduated from Hialeah High School in 1958.

Ray studied Business Administration at the University of Florida and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. While at college, he was involved in intramural sports and began his passion for Gator athletics. Ray earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1963. While at the University of Florida he will meet his future wife Patricia.

After graduating college, Ray was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. On February 26th 1964, Ray and Pat were married at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Opa-locka, Florida. Ray served as a B-52 radar navigator and his first operational assignment was at McCoy Air Force Base in Orlando, Florida. He deployed to Southeast Asia for four operational tours during the Vietnam War (1965-1970) where he completed 222 combat missions. He was awarded the Air Medal with 8 clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Ray was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force in 1970.

Ray then began working in sales for Procter & Gamble. Ray also was a lector and an active member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church and School in Orlando, FL. In 1980 the family moved to Clearwater, Florida. Ray retired from Procter & Gamble in 1996 after 25 years of service.

Ray was an enthusiastic fan of University of Florida athletics. He was a Gator athletic booster, member of the alumni association, a Gator Football, Basketball, Volleyball and Baseball season ticket holder. He continued to support the Phi Gamma Delta chapter at the University of Florida. Ray appreciated the theater and concerts. He enjoyed traveling and was a founding member of the LBKDNC. Ray loved the times he spent attending and supporting his children’s and grandchildren’s activities.

Ray is survived by his wife of fifty-four years Patricia, uncle Phillip Tedder (Ellen), cousins, children Raymond Jr. (Arlene), Donna Cantwell (Chris), Michelle, and David (Duggan) his six grandchildren, Bailey, Brooke and Shane Cantwell, Trey and John Martinez, and Martin Cooley.

Memorial Donations may be made to https://suncoasthospicefoundation.org/donations.