Rey was born on October 22, 1936 in San Elizario, Texas to the late Leonardo and Catalina Martinez. He attended Ysleta High School for 2-1/2 years before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps one month after his 17th birthday. After proudly serving 4 years he came back home and married his beloved “Lila”. Rey was very much loved and welcomed by his in-laws, the late Herminio and Hermelinda Nunez.
Rey is preceded in death by his son Reinaldo “Ray” Martinez, Jr., brother Manuel Martinez, and brother-in-law Rogelio Villareal. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lily Martinez and daughter Carola Martinez. His siblings Irma Giron (Jose), Lupe C. Martinez, Sukie Sanders, Grace Villareal, Jimmy Martinez (Renee), sister-in-law Norma Martinez, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Rey was a man of deep faith and devoted to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Church for over 50 years. Rey’s greatest source of pride and love was for his family and making sure they were never in want. He greeted everyone with his beautiful smile, a handshake and before the conversation ended it never failed that you would hear his boisterous laugh. He loved cars, watching the Green Bay Packers and the Lady Miners play, going out to the movies and also staying home watching tv and eating.
Rey received his GED while serving in the Marine Corps and attained his Bachelors in Business Administration from The University of Texas at El Paso. He was a man of never ending positivity and an unbelievable work ethic that was displayed in the 35 years he worked at the International Boundary and Water Commission (U.S. Section). He began as Stock Controller in 1959 for the headquarter’s warehouse in addition to the four field warehouses and worked his way up to Director of Administrative Services under then Commissioner Narendra N. Gunaji to his retirement in 1994. Rey began his side career as real estate agent in 1962 (eventually earned his broker’s license) and was awarded the status of Realtor Emeritus in 2011. He also earned numerous awards including Masters Diamond, Masters Emerald, 4.6, 3.5, and 2.5 Million Dollar Club and countless others. In the past, Rey also loyally served 15 years with the Selective Service System and was a member of other civic organizations including Optimist International, Hispanic Employment Council and Lulac.
The Martinez family wishes to express their profound gratitude to Home Instead Health Care Service, American Home Health Services, and Envision Hospice, especially, Gabby, Sergio, Angie, Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Steven who provided loving care to Rey in his final years.
Visitation will be held at Hillcrest Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 8 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm; with a rosary service starting at 6:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, November 9 at Our Lady of the Valley Church, 8600 Winchester Rd. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery on Zaragoza. Services entrusted to Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1060 Carolina Dr.
