Joseph W. Martinez

A loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was called home by our Lord on Monday, Dec. 18, 2006, at the age of 81 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Carter Hall during World War II. He retired from Ethyl Corp. after more than 40 years of service as a rigger and an inspector. He was known for his kind and gentle spirit, his wit and his favorite saying, "Don't thank me, thank the good Lord." He is survived by his children, Deborah Smith, Karen Martinez, Joseph W. Martinez III and Mel Enright and her husband, Robert; grandchildren, Rusty Smith and his wife, Suzanne, Christy Scott and her husband, Toby, Jeremy Martinez, Brian Martinez and his wife, Jo Helen, and Patrick Joseph Enright; and great-grandchildren, Carlee Smith, Zachary Smith, Alex Smith, Wesley Scott, Nikki Scott, Faith Scott, Darrion Scott, Alicia Martinez and Erica Martinez. Preceded in death by his mother, Irene Erwin Martinez; brother, Roger Martinez; and granddaughter, Deborah Lynn Smith. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Thursday, Dec. 21, from 6 p.m.to 9 p.m.The funeral service will be held on Friday, Dec. 22, at 10 a.m.at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 3475 N. Sherwood Forest Blvd., officiated by the Rev. Jean Michel Morel. Pallbearers will be Gary Smith, Rusty Smith, Toby Scott, Christy Scott, Jeremy Martinez and Brian Martinez. Honorable pallbearer is Patrick Joseph Enright. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Sunrisewho were so dedicated through the last several years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area.