Joe De Gracia Martinez

Jose De Gracia Martinez (61) of Austin, passed away from a heart attack in his home on Thursday, May 11th, 2023. Fondly known as Jody, he was born to Elisa and Jose Martinez on February 12th, 1962, in Riverside, California. He was raised in a family of migrant workers who followed the sun to harvest food all over the Western United States and eventually settled in Clinton, Utah where he spent most of his youth.

From 1982 to 1986, he served in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines where he met Vicerose, whom he later married and had his four beloved children with. After his time in the military, Joe started his own real estate business, an endeavor he eventually shared and continued with his eldest son, Juston. Joe was an entrepreneur who passed his resourcefulness to his children and encouraged them to forge their own unique paths.

Joe was passionate about mastering movement and was a talented multi-discipline athlete.

However, his dedication to golf cannot be overstated, eventually bringing him to state-level PGA competitions. Later on, he would volunteer his time coaching the local youth football and baseball teams for his children.

Joe was a dedicated and loving father who encouraged his four children to pursue their passions. He loved music, was a songwriter himself, and never passed up an opportunity for karaoke. He was a devoted supporter of his children who never missed a music concert or athletic event and could always be found cheering them on. Grandpa was a role Joe fell into recently and naturally; he absolutely adored his granddaughter and treasured their time together.

He was a great friend to many and would regularly step in to help those in need. His kindness was a fundamental part of his character that shone through in every interaction he had. His genuine desire to make a positive difference in people's lives left a lasting impression on all of us.

Joe is survived by: his mother Elisa; his siblings Lonnie, Linda, Lupe, Esmerelda, Delfina, Johnny, Abraham, Edward; his four children Juston, Allysa, Joe, and Vincent; his granddaughter, Beverley; and his three daughter-in-laws, Amanda, Persia, and Savannah. He is predeceased by his father, Jos? Martinez, and his siblings Grace, Charlie, Poncho, Luna, and Ted.

A Memorial Service to honor Joe will be held at Woodlawn Baptist Church (4600 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78745) on Saturday, May 20th starting at 10:00 AM in the Worship Center. A Memorial Reception will follow right after.