Homer Rodriguez Martinez's Obituary
Homer Rodriguez Martinez, legendary Southern Baptist Evangelist and long time Dallas resident was called home to Jesus, January 7, 2021.
Reverend Martinez was born in San Antonio, TX to Angel M. Martinez and Virginia R. Martinez Feb. 10, 1930.
In 1949 He graduated from Valley High School in Valley Station Ky, where he met his wife of nearly 70 years, Emily Adams Martinez. They were married Feb 29, 1952 in Louisville Ky while Homer studied at Georgetown College, where he graduated in 1953. He later attended Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX.
Rev. Martinez’s love of the Lord and for people inspired his 85 years of soul winning service. For more than 50 of those years he was honored & privileged to spread the word he’d poured over, memorized and carried in his heart from age 5, and began preaching at age 11. With his natural charisma and trademark humor, Rev. Martinez shared God’s message of eternal life through Jesus EVERYWHERE he went, Emily and their 4 children often traveling with him to meetings. He never missed an opportunity to share the transformative power of Christ, whether he was speaking to a solitary downtrodden soul at the bus stop or preaching to a Revival packed with believers .
Rev. Martinez was an ambassador of Christ’s love to all he encountered. Through his missions outreach he generously donated, volunteered, and uplifted people from Mexico to Canada and everywhere in between with no conditions or judgement, purely out of love for others and obedience to God.
Homer’s boundless energy and appetite for celebration were some of the most endearing things about him. When he wasn’t traveling , he was happy for any excuse to “fellowship” with friends and family, toss the football around, play tennis, shadow box or rehab another stray dog to be eternally adored by he & Emily.
From his 1949 Kentucky State Golden Gloves win to the incredible honor in 2008 of being inducted into the inaugural class of the Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists Hall of Faith, and many awards in between Rev. Martinez was truly a champion for almighty God.
Homer Martinez is survived by his wife Emily Martinez; his daughter Terry Martinez Dore and son-in-law Alan Dore; his daughter Shelly Martinez Holland and son in law John Holland; Son in law Barry Foster; 10 Grandchildren and 4 Great Grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his beloved children Timothy Paul Martinez and Ginny Martinez Foster; grandson Justin Dean Richard; parents Manuel and Virginia Martinez; and siblings Generoso Martinez, Dr Angel Martinez, Virginia Martinez Buitron and Tony Martinez Cabrera.
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