Ellzey Gene Martin

Ellzey Martin passed away peacefully in 2025, surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, integrity, and deep-rooted kindness. Born in 1933 in the small town of Belzoni, Mississippi, Ellzey was raised with strong Southern values that remained with him throughout his life. He had one older brother, Lewis, who preceded him in death at age 92. After graduating high school, Ellzey joined the U.S. Air Force and served for four years, including a deployment to Korea. When he returned, he was stationed near Red Bluff, California, where he met Diana, the woman who would become his wife and the mother of his children. They married in 1958 and settled in Southern California to begin their family. Together, they raised two children, Randy Martin and Tracy Kirwan, in Placentia. Though Ellzey and Diana divorced in 1973, they remained close friends throughout their lives—a testament to the strength of their bond and their shared love for family. Ellzey’s career in sales spanned decades, including work with ARA Services, Greyhound Food Management, and Paddock Pools. He had a natural gift for connecting with people—his warm Southern drawl, friendly manner, and easy sense of humor made him instantly likable and widely respected. After spending a few years in San Antonio, Ellzey eventually moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he met Jazelle Ghiz, the love of his life. They shared many joyful years together until her passing in 2017. Around 2010, Ellzey and Jazelle moved to Laguna Beach, California, to be closer to his children and to escape the desert heat. Ellzey lived with energy and purpose. He cherished his independence, stayed active at the gym, ate healthily, and rarely missed a Monday dinner with his close friends Mike and Ron. He was humble, humorous, kind to everyone he met, and deeply appreciative of the people in his life. Even during his final days, he never missed a chance to thank the nurses and doctors caring for him.

He was fiercely loyal, instilled strong values in his family, and lived with quiet grace. Ellzey was not a simple man—just not complicated. He led a life of intention and generosity, always thinking ahead and ensuring that things were taken care of for his loved ones. Ellzey is survived by his children, Randy Martin and his wife Danielle, and Tracy Kirwan and her husband Roger; his grandchildren Shelby, Hayley, Kyra, Maia, and Keegan; and his great-grandchildren Parker, Wilder, Birdie, Scarlett, Ella, and Weston. He is also remembered with love by many lifelong friends and extended family members.

For those gathered to honor his life, Ellzey would want to leave them with a smile, a story, and a sense of peace. He would want to be remembered laughing, telling a joke, striking up a conversation with a stranger, or sharing a heartfelt thank-you with someone who had helped him. He believed in kindness without conditions, the value of hard work, and the importance of taking care of the people you love. He might say, “Just be good to each other”—simple words, but a lifelong practice he lived every day. He’d want everyone to remember not just what he did, but how he made them feel: seen, respected, and appreciated.

A funeral service for Ellzey will be held Monday, May 19, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, 401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257.