Mr. Abimael Martinez Sr., age 104, of the Dugdown Community passed away Saturday, October 15, 2022.
Mr. Martinez was born May 13, 1918, in Susua, Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico, son of the late Ignacio Martinez and Monserrate Lopez.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Martinez was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Martinez; son, Abimael Martinez, Jr.; grandson, Shane Martinez; daughter in law, Diane; and son in law, Douglas McGuffin.
Mr. Martinez is survived by his sons: Ivan Martinez, Edwin Martinez and his wife, Kathy, and Edward Martinez and his wife, Diane; daughters, Nancy Martinez Bernal and her husband, Richard, Gloria Martinez McGuffin, and Elizabeth Martinez Crespo and her husband, Demetrius; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
As a child, Mr. Martinez lived on a finca with his paternal grandfather where he grew cotton, tobacco, corn, and other types of vegetables. He came to the United States and learned the English language at the age of twenty-nine.
On April 29, 1944, he married his beloved wife, Gloria Badillo Martinez, who was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and cook.
Mr. Martinez was a WWII veteran, having served in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Panama. Additionally, he was a Golden Glove Boxer in the army. Mr. Martinez was a man of many talents, a sharp mind, and great humor. He spoke three languages: English, Spanish, and “cave man.” He loved to tell jokes, play games, do Bible studies, and word search puzzles.
He enjoyed watching baseball, boxing, WWE, Three’s Company, and Let’s Make a Deal. Even in his later years, Mr. Martinez still exercised on a stationary bike and wrote letters to his family and friends.
Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Martinez will be held Saturday, October 22, 2022, at Cedarlake Christian Center in Cedartown. The time is currently undetermined.
Mr. Martinez will be laid to rest beside his wife, Gloria, in Miami, Florida.
The Smith & Miller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Abimael Martinez, Sr.
