Manuel was born on January 21, 1963 in San Angelo, Texas to Diana S. and Manuel F. Martinez, Sr. Manuel attended Central High School, and kept his Bobcat pride throughout his life. After high school, Manuel wanted to join the Marines but was unable to due to a previous eye injury.
Picture this - Central High School Graduation May 1980. Boy's sister and a group of friends are going to dinner to celebrate and guess who decided to tag along? You guessed it - Boy! During the dinner, he met the girl who would later become his wife, Rachel Valadez.
Manuel and Rachel were married on May 17, 1982 and enjoyed 44 blessed years together. Through valleys of darkness to the brightest sun in the heavens above - the couple remained together. They were almost never apart; where you saw one, you saw the other.
Manuel's life was full of love, jokes, laughter, and a lot of mischief. Boy never met a stranger that wouldn't end up becoming a friend. He understood the importance of family, a value instilled in him by his own parents. Boy made sure that his family and friends knew how much he loved them. Above all else, Manuel valued his relationship with God.
Another trait Manuel was known for was being a hard worker all his life. He worked several jobs as a teenager before joining his father at the family concrete business, Martinez Concrete Works. When his father passed away, Boy took the reins and continued the family business until his knees wouldn't allow it anymore. Manuel set down the floats, trowels, and edgers for the last time.
Not one to sit still, Boy began a new career at a place he dearly loved - Quicksand Golf Course. From working the cart barn and picking up golf balls to working up front scheduling tee times, Manuel enjoyed it all. He especially enjoyed getting to look his best, sporting his signature slicked back hair and brightly colored golf shirts.
Manuel's life was well-lived. He played hard, worked harder, and loved hardest of all. He will be dearly missed by those he left behind.
Manuel is preceded in passing by his parents, Manuel Sr. and Diana; parents-in-law, Florencio and Jesusita Valadez; grandparents, Vicente and Consuelo Martinez, Elisa and C. M. Rios, and Ben Samaripa; aunts and uncles, Ofelia and Francisco Lujan, Sam and Ramona Lara, Efren and Mary Lou Martinez; and Elvira and Nick Martinez.
Left to cherish Boy's memory are his beloved wife, Rachel Martinez; children, Brandy and Drew Arambula, Jessica and Eli Soto, Justin Martinez and partner Chelsea Daniel; siblings, Teresa "Teri" Dominguez, Tracy and Ernie Guevara, Martin and Lisa Martinez, and Matt Martinez; and aunts and uncles, Elodia and Ray Hinojosa, Adan and Toni Martinez, Dora and David Garcia, Mary Solis, and Gloria and Steve Skaggs; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Also left to cherish Boy's memory are his grandchildren, Mark Mena, Mario Falcon III, Myron Falcon, Julio Borrego, Kylie DeHoyos, Mykel DeHoyos, Kaylee Soto, McKensie Soto, and Jusiel Martinez. His grandchildren were the sparkle in his eyes - each one had a special bond with Manuel that was theirs alone.
In addition to those above, Manuel is also survived by his best friends, Jaime Morales, Steve Robles, Kenny McCrea, Greg Charles, Roman Velez, and Johnny Padron.
Visitation for Boy will be held at 6 PM on Thursday October 15, 2026 at Johnson's Funeral Home. The Martinez Family requests attendees wear bright colors and/or golf-related items to celebrate Boy's life.
Isaiah 41:10
"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and held you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
