Juan Martinez

MSG Juan A. Martinez, 62, of Hope Mills, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, November 23, 2025, with family by his side.

Msg Martinez was born on January 13, 1963, in Jayuya, PR to Juan Martinez and the late Jovita Martinez. He grew up in Hammonton, NJ with family values rooted in hard work and a respect for others. After graduating high school, he entered the workforce but soon realized he wanted a career in the military. At the age of 20 he enlisted in the US Army, serving his country for 22 years with courage and devotion.

Msg Martinez was a decorated veteran serving in Germany, Korea, Alaska, and the Gulf War including Operation Desert Storm. During his service, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Humanitarian Service Medal, NCO Overseas Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Parachutist Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver T Bar, and Drill Sergeant Identification Badge.

After an honorable retirement in 2003, Msg Martinez devoted his time to family and ministry, considering himself to now be a soldier in the Army of the Lord.

In 2009, he married his wife Sharon and together they ministered in nursing homes, hospitals, and prisons, and assisted the elderly in the churches they served. After becoming ordained ministers in the Church of God, they served as lead and associate pastors.

Msg Martinez enjoyed reading, especially his Bible. He also enjoyed watching baseball, football, horse races, and dog shows. After buying a Jon Boat, he loved fishing on the lakes and playing Pickleball at the Recreation Center in Hope Mills.

Msg Martinez was not only a son and husband, but he was also a dad, stepdad, papa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. He enjoyed so much sharing meals and fellowship with his family and friends. He was a very giving man, purchasing meals or groceries for people in need, encouraging young soldiers, and running errands for disabled veterans.

Msg Martinez is survived by his devoted wife and caregiver, Sharon Martinez, father, Juan Martinez; stepmother, Miriam Martinez; son, Timothy Martinez; stepsons, Buddy (Tiffany) Horne and Christopher (Lynn Dee) Horne; grandkids, Delany, Liberty, and Lydia Horne; brothers, Andy Leandry, Orlando Martinez, and Jerry Martinez; brother-in-law, Tony (Cindy) Beasley; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

As his health and energy declined during the past four years, he so enjoyed visits from his grandkids. They would talk with him, color, read books, play checkers, act out stories from the Bible, sing and dance, and play catch ball. These times brightened his days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, which was near and dear to his heart, at woundedwarriorproject.org or to Samaritan’s Purse at samaritanspurse.org.