Eugene Felix Martinez

Eugene “Gene” Felix Martinez was born in Florence, AZ on October 9, 1953, along with his twin sister Virginia, to parents Ernestine (née Munoz) and Eugene Martinez. He died peacefully in his home in Apex, NC on June 2, 2023. Gene is preceded in death by his mother Ernestine Ferrell, stepfather Jim Ferrell, his father Eugene A. Martinez, step-mother Ernestine (née Tidwell) Martinez, and sisters Beatrice “Betty” Kotob and Angie Jo Martinez. Gene is survived by his loving wife of 28 years Deborah Cartwright of Apex, NC, their daughter Kathryn Grogan of Wake Forest, NC and her husband Kevin Grogan, and his two lovely grandchildren, Connor James Grogan who he called “Daddy Rabbit” and Callie Ann Grogan, who he affectionately nick-named “Tornado.” Gene is further survived by his many siblings who he teased incessantly and who all adored him dearly: Armida “Yollie” Navarro, Fred Martinez, Virginia Ferrell, Jimmy Tapia, Charlotte Simpson, and Judy Martinez of AZ, and Jerrie Martinez-Palombo of TX, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins in AZ. Gene, known as Jr. to his family, spent the first 40 years of his life in Coolidge, AZ where he farmed and ginned cotton and helped raise his two youngest sisters. He had many friends and many fun stories to prove it. He was introduced to the love of his life, Deborah Cartwright by his cousin Pat Staley and moved to Apex, NC in 1995 where he spent the remainder of his life and made many new friends. Gene proudly worked for the Town of Apex for 19 years and retired in 2020. He and his wife Deborah enjoyed spending time at the beach in Emerald Isle with their dogs and taking some amazing trips including The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and Alaska. Gene was very intelligent man, with simple taste, sharp wit, a super-hero like will, and an even bigger heart who loved God, his country, and his family. He was mechanically inclined and if it broke, he could fix it. He loved the outdoors and fishing and his Ford Pick-up Trucks. He also loved music including The Beatles, Billy Joel, Garth Brooks, and George Strait, and he had a great singing voice. After a 3.5 year battle for his life, he leaves this earth valiantly and on his terms. He is now in peace in heaven, cracking jokes, and fishing with his father-in-law. Please join us as we celebrate and honor Gene’s life at The Green Level Baptist Church in Cary, NC. Services will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 11am (EST) at 8509 Green Level Church Road in Cary (and live streamed @ Green Level Baptist Church: Cary, NC > Livestream), followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, Gene has requested that donations be made to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation

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Eugene Felix Martinez

October 9, 1953 - June 2, 2023