Angel S. "Kelly" Martinez of Greenville, South Carolina, has been welcomed into the arms of his Lord on August 13, 2015. Kelly passed away from complications of a stroke at the Open Arms Hospice facility in Simpsonville, South Carolina. He was 89 years old.
Kelly was born October 1, 1925 in La Mesa, New Mexico to Romulo and Juana Martinez. He was the middle child of 10 children.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and 8 siblings. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Emma Gordinai Martinez. Children Rudy, Ben, Daughter-in-law Michelle, and Jason Martinez all of Greenville and a daughter Anne Dieter of Dallas, Texas. Granddaughters Amanda Martinez of Queens, NY, Kaitlyn Martinez of Greenville, and Kirsten and Katarina Dieter of Dallas and brother Robert Saul “Sully” Martinez of San Miguel, New Mexico.
Kelly grew up during the ‘Great Depression’ and left New Mexico for work in California. In 1944, Kelly was drafted into the war effort at Ft MacArthur in California where he served as a machine gunner with the 89th Infantry. Kelly and his battalion were dispatched to the European Theatre where they fought valiantly to rid the world of German oppression.
Kelly was wounded and received a Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, and a Bronze Star. In addition he received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars, the WWII Victory Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal. After the war effort he was transferred to the Military Police until his return stateside. His date of separation was June 1, 1946 at Ft Sam Houston, Texas.
Kelly joined the DOD in 1951 as a Police Officer stationed at the White Sands Proving Ground, later renamed White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. He led various details and coordinated security efforts for NASA, the Armed Services, and even a presidential visit from then President John F. Kennedy. Kelly retired from the DOD in 1980, after 29 years of service.
Kelly continued his security career, when he joined the City of Las Cruces, New Mexico, in 1981. Establishing the first Security Office for the City of Las Cruces, Department of Police. During his tenure, he elevated this section of the department to a professional level, implemented training, and coordinating security surveillance of city property.
Upon retirement in 1990, Kelly and Emma relocated to Greenville, South Carolina. Where Kelly joined the Bi-Lo Family of grocery stores. Kelly retired from Bi-Lo in 2010.
Kelly and Emma were very active in their church, First Assembly of God, Haywood Road, Greenville, South Carolina. The American Legion, The Disabled American Veterans where Kelly served as Chaplin and Assist Chaplin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Legion, and The Disabled American Veterans.
To all the friends and extended family, we THANK YOU! Your prayers, your kindness and your support have sustained us over the last 3 weeks.
The Kelly Martinez Family
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