Juan R. Martinez

Johnny was born and raised in La Feria, TX. Johnny served his country in the United States Army in the Vietnam war. He was the first Army soldier from La Feria to be deployed to Vietnam. He joined the National Guard and then enlisted into the U.S. Army in 1964. His initial training was at Ft. Hood in Killeen, TX. From there he was transferred to United States Army Quartermaster School in Ft. Lee, Virginia and part of the 23rd Quartermaster Battalion. He then trained for 10 weeks at Ft. Benning, GA for Army Advanced Individual combat and infantry. Johnny was then picked to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and trained in warfare with advanced reconnaissance techniques and weaponry at times training alongside the Marines. The U.S Army 5th Special Forces Group saw extensive action in the Vietnam War and played a pivotal role in the early months of Operation Enduring Freedom. They established a record for bravery and proficiency second to none. Johnny was an Expert Marksman. His accomplishments were not something he talked about much but when he carried around his medals and pictures and it was important you stopped to listen and rightfully so. Johnny was a Green Beret with the 101st Airborne, 3rd & 5th Special Forces, Ranger and Tiger Divisions. Johnny ended his military career in 1971 as a E6 Staff Sergeant. He was issued the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, Purple Heart, 2 Bronze Stars, and The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm Unit Citation.

After the Army, Johnny attended Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX where he received a degree in Horticulture. He was a businessman and owned a construction company in Austin, TX and Trucking and Transportation company before retiring. He was known as a community leader and loved to advocate for others that couldn't.

He was a family man. He talked about his grandkids and his nieces and nephews often. Johnny lived life to its fullest without fail. He also loved big. He would do anything for his family. When he walked into a room, you were instantly drawn to him in conversation and laughter. No stories were told without such great exaggeration and laughter. He often made big exits too. His passing was no exception. He left us peacefully surrounded by his family because that is how he wanted it. He was greatly loved and will be missed by many.

Johnny was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Lupita Martinez, his daughters Nina Martinez from Seattle, Melva Martinez-Huerta from Austin, TX, Bonnie Martinez-Jenkins (deceased), and Sonya Martinez from Austin, TX. Grandchildren: Stephanie and Nicole Guerra, Perrin Rich-Martinez, Medea Rich-Martinez, Roman Huerta. Great Granddaughter: Audrey Nicole Vargas. Siblings: Anita Munoz, Roberto Martinez, Consuelo Martinez, Desiderio Martinez Jr., Rolando Martinez. He was also a loving Uncle and Great Uncle to many nieces and nephews. The Martinez Family want to recognize and thank Lupita Ponce of Harlingen, his niece for all her dedication, love and compassion. We are forever grateful. We also thank Ray of Light and the nurses at Valley Baptist Medical Center Harlingen.

Please join us on Fri, Oct 15th for Visitation from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm and Sat, Oct 16th at 12:00 noon at Heavenly Grace in La Feria, TX for the Chapel Services and followed by Burial to be officiated by Reverend Decon Larry Rodriguez from St. Patrick’s Church.

Pallbearers: Roman Huerta, Perrin Martinez, Robert Munoz Jr., Leroy Martinez, Desi Martinez, and Carlos Aguirre.

Honorary Pallbearers: Robert Martinez, Sr., Desiderio Martinez, Rolando Martinez, David Zuniga, Sisto Huerta, Robert Martinez, Jr., Homer Martinez, Jr., Luis Huerta

Predeceased: Bonnie Martinez-Jenkins (daughter), Rolando (Roli) Martinez, Jr. (nephew), Homero Martinez (brother), and parents Desiderio C. Martinez (father) & Consuelo Rodriguez Martinez (mother)

Donations: Donations can be made in his name/honor Juan R. Martinez to the local American Legion Post 439 219 E Commercial Ave, La Feria, TX 78559.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heavenlygracergv.com for the Martinez family.