Juan Roberto “Marty” Martinez

Juan Roberto “Marty” Martinez, 81, of Salem, AL died peacefully surrounded by his family while at his home on Thursday, October 6, 2022 while bravely battling cancer for many years.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. (EST) on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 in St. Patrick Catholic Church, Phenix City, AL with Fr. Hamm officiating according to Vance Brooks Funeral Home, Phenix City, AL. Interment with U.S. Army Honors will follow in Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. (EST) at the funeral home.

Mr. Martinez was born February 01, 1941 in Watrous, New Mexico, son of the late Candelaro Martinez and Sofia Lucero Martinez. Marty was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church where he worshiped with family and friends.  He retired from the U.S. Army as an E-6 serving 20 years. After returning to the Civilian Work force, he joined Pratt Whitney and again retired. His favorite pastimes included visiting casinos, antique malls and watching old Westerns. He is no longer in our daily lives, but his fond memories and strong character will continue to shape our family.

Mr. Martinez was preceded in death by his parents, Candelaro and Sofia Martinez; two siblings, Art Martinez and Delia Martinez.

Survivors include his four sons, Tim Martinez (Sonya), Columbus, GA, Robert Martinez (Michelle), Phenix City, AL, Scott Martinez (Beth), Boynton Beach, FL and Chad Pepper (Cinda), Columbus, GA; one sister, Emelia Avila (Chris), Rio Rancho, NM and one brother, Mike Martinez, Denver, CO; his nine grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as “Po”; Gabriel “Gabe” Martinez, Brad Martinez (Victoria), Noah Pepper (Nicole), Cade Pepper, Bridge Pepper, Eric Norris (Tatum), Jason Norris, Jeff Paul (Dana), and Lauren Rachel (George); numerous great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Marty’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org.