Guillermo Martinez

Guillermo Martinez, known to all as Willie, was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at the age of 78. He transitioned in his home surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and his sisters and two brothers. Willie was born in El Paso,TX to Jesus and Beatriz Martinez on February 20, 1944.

Willie grew up in Smeltertown and Buena Vista and attended El Paso High School. He lettered in both baseball and football and graduated as part of the class of 1963. After high school he briefly attended Texas Western College (UTEP) before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1966.

Prior to beginning his military service, Willie married his childhood sweetheart, Manuela “Nellie” Arellano on February 20, 1966. Married for 57 years, they were blessed with three children, Guillermo Martinez, Jr., David Martinez, and Clarissa Martinez-Tapia. During Willie’s time in the Air Force, he specialized in communications. He and Nellie were stationed at Bergstrom AFB in Austin, TX and Luke AFB in Phoenix, AZ. Willie also completed an 18-month unaccompanied tour of duty at Clark AFB in the Philippines.

After completing his time in the Air Force, Willie and Nellie returned to El Paso. He began working for El Paso Telephone Company. Eventually, he started his own communications company, Marcom Telephone, in 1982. Although he retired in 2007, he continued working all his life.

Willie was a dedicated family man, and very involved in his community. He was a youth coach for countless baseball and softball teams that his children played on. He also founded the Smeltertown-Buena Vista Annual Reunion.

Willie accomplished much in his life, but above it all, he was devoted to God. He was a pivotal member of the Santa Teresita Mission. He sang in the church choir and led Confirmation classes. He was president of the Church Committee and organized church bazaars and Christmas Posadas.

Willie truly lived to serve others, and he had an endless number of friends of all ages. He was a man who felt like everyone’s best friend and father figure. He loved sports and played plenty of golf in his later years. He was also a classic movie buff who watched Turner Classic Movies. The Sound of Music was his favorite.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Beatriz Martinez. He is survived by his wife, Nellie Martinez, and his children Guillermo Martinez, Jr. (Edith), David Martinez (Jana), and Clarissa Martinez-Tapia. His surviving brothers and sisters are Robert Martinez (Phoenicia), Elvira Martinez (Richie), Estela Banks (James), Alfredo Martinez (Beatriz), and Jesus Martinez, Jr. (Alice). He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Krist Tapia, David Tapia, Victoria Martinez, AnaLisa Martinez, Thomas Martinez, and Luke Martinez.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to Santa Teresita Mission Church, 3401 Zapal Ave, El Paso, TX 79922.