Joe Ray Martinez Jr.

1969 - 2022

Joe Ray Martinez, Jr. was born August 3, 1969, in Houston, Texas and gained his wings earlier than expected on June 3, 2022, in The Woodlands, Texas.

Joe was a beloved husband, brother, father, and friend, and touched the lives of so many. Joe is proceeded in death by his mother, Helen Valdez Alvarado, twin sister Anastacia Martinez, both sets of grandparents, and numerous uncles.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Melissa (Missie) Whiddon Martinez, stepson Koltin (Kole) Rey Waldrop and girlfriend Reilly Wadley, father Joe Ray Martinez and wife Delores, sister Veronica (Peanut) Hernandez and brother-in-law Eduardo, brother Sam S. Martinez, sister Monica M. Martinez and brother-in-law Manuel, mother-in-law, Charlotte Whiddon, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Cherish and Dave Adams, Holly and Michael Free, nephews Anthony R. Martinez and wife Carolina, and Andrew Rodriguez, nieces Melissa Hernandez, Victoria Gutierrez, Olivia Adams and husband Jared, and Madison Adams. Additionally, Joe is survived by three great nieces and three great nephews. I would be remiss not to mention Joe's best friend, Joe Allard, who he thought the world of, and reached out to on a daily basis. Joe leaves behind as well, his four-legged best friend, Whiskee.

It is well known that Joe's family extends beyond blood and marriage. His family within Spectrum Events is immense, as is his family at the gym. The kindness and support received these past days shows the impact that Joe had on their lives, on everyone's life, and we are grateful and better for them.

Joe grew up in Houston, enlisting in the US Army in 1989. He proudly served his country during Operation Desert Storm, earning the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Expert Marksmanship Rifle Badge for the M-16. Joe moved to Montgomery County in 1998 and made this area his home, becoming well known by many.

If you knew Joe, you knew his lifetime career was in the hospitality business. Joe started out in restaurants at an early age, moving on to become a store manager and such for James Coney Island, before he landed his position over 20 years ago with Spectrum Events, where he was still currently employed as Vice President of Hospitality Operations. Joe was renowned for his professionalism from coast to coast and was a master at just about anything he did; so mechanically inclined and able to bring to fruition any ideas that came to mind or were asked of him. One never had to ask Joe for help, he was just there before you thought to ask.

Not only did Joe have a prolonged love for sports, especially his Pittsburgh Steelers, but was an avid and gifted athlete. Joe had completed multiple marathons, ultra marathons, a 100-miler, and holds power lifting records and titles for the State of Texas. "Go big or go home" and "too light coach" were common phrases Joe belted out in the gym. If you knew Joe as well, he made sure everyone knew his favorite number was 69, the year he was born, and was the common answer to any number question you might ask. And we cannot forget "black and yellow"...we will leave that one right there.

Joe constantly inspired others to be better; to achieve at the highest levels and to never stop learning and growing. Joe's contagious laughter was not only infectious but inspiring. As many have said over these past few days, Joe could light up a room with his presence, put a smile on your face, and was a breath of fresh air.

Many words used to describe Joe these past days include incredible man, great inspiration, more than a colleague but a genuine friend, teacher, great leader, kind, loved, respected, best boss, favorite person to work with, simply the best person, blessed to have known, an amazing person with an amazing heart, and most importantly, immeasurably missed.

A private family viewing will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a public viewing from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Cashner's Funeral Home. Services will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022, at 10 a.m., at Cashner's Funeral Home, and his final resting place will take place at Garden Park Cemetery. Immediately following the service you are invited to join the family for Joe's Celebration of Life at the Cynthia Wood's Mitchell Pavilion, Woodforest Bank Club, second floor.

Pallbearers are Sam Martinez, Anthony Martinez, Pete Torres, Koltin Waldrop, David Adams, and Andrew Rodriguez. Honorary pallbearers are Manuel Gutierrez, Joe Allard, and Case Martinez.

Many thanks to those that were there that day for us. Your efforts, love, prayers, and support did not go unnoticed and will be remembered always.

In lieu of flowers you are welcome to donate to an animal rescue or shelter of choice in Joe's name. Joe, you were all that; the friend everyone wanted, and the husband no one else could ever be. The loss and devastation felt by us all is only a gain for those that greeted and embraced you in their heavenly arms. My hopes and prayers that you and Rudi went for the run of a lifetime together. You are loved, respected, and admired by all. You are our "All Day Joe."