Alex Martinez

Alex Martinez, 86, was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, after bravely fighting a battle with congestive heart failure.
Alex was born July 6, 1931, in Houston, Texas, to the late Joseph and Mary Martinez. He was raised in Houston with his eight siblings.
After high school, Alex joined the U.S. Navy. He was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Saint Paul and fought in the Korean War. Upon returning to Houston, he met the love of his life, Sammye Mills, and after their marriage they moved to Benton. Alex worked for Alcoa for 35 years and was a member of First Baptist Church of Benton. He was known for his kind, gentle spirt and his sweet personality and smile. He always had a little joke to tell that made us adore him. He never put himself first. He was always serving and doing for others. He took great pride in his role as "Poppo" and his grandkids and their friends will have great memories of him standing on the sidelines cheering for them.
His children and grandchildren were his world. They not only knew it but felt it.
The legacy of a life well lived with hard work, kindness, gentleness, humility, but most of all, unconditional love that he leaves behind is something his family and friends will cherish.
There are no words to describe how much he was loved and how he will be missed. We were truly blessed by his life, his love and his example.
Alex was preceded in death by his wife; and parents; a brother, Joe; and sisters, Carmen, Judy and BeeBee.
He is survived by a son, Lex (Mallory); and a daughter Celita; six grandchildren, Collin, Cain, Alexander, Olivia, Molly and Elle; and four sisters Helen, Angie, Janie and Mary Lou. Millie, his faithful canine friend who kept a watchful eye on him is also left behind; and number of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly; and many friends who brought him great joy.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017, and a memorial service with Dr. Rick Grant officiating will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017.
Both service and visitation will be held at Smith-Benton Funeral Home.
There also will be a memorial service at Morales funeral in Houston, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Benton.
Services are entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.
Online guest book: www. SmithFamilyCares.com.