Ismael "Smiley" Rudy Martinez passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Corpus Christi, Texas, at the age of 53. He was born on December 5, 1971, to Ismael Martinez and Diana Colunga in Falfurrias, Texas. Ismael served in the United States Army during the Gulf War and was a proud veteran. Throughout his life, Smiley worked in various industries, including instrumentation and caregiving.
He enjoyed fishing, coin and rock collecting, listening to music, breakdancing, and, most of all, playing the guitar. Smiley was a talented guitar player, and music was a significant part of his life.
He is preceded in death by his father, his son Sebastian Javier Martinez, his grandparents Rodolfo and Inocencia Colunga, and his uncle Isaiah Colunga.
He is survived by his mother, Diana Colunga of Falfurrias; children, Christian Martinez, Xavier Martinez, Sapphire Inocencia Martinez, Eric and Sebastian; brothers, Ricky (Mirna) Garza, and David (Mary Lopez) Garza; sisters, Rita (Daniel) Pena and Ruth (David) Pena; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Pallbearers will be Daniel Pena, Ricky Garza Sr., David Garza, Alejandro Buenrostro, Xavier E. Martinez and John Garza.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at the Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Falfurrias (1208 S. St. Mary's Street) with Visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Falfurrias Burial Park.
