Obituary of Raymond Martinez

Ramon "Ray" Martinez III 7/15/59 - 3/25/14 "What matters most is the dash between the years". Ray was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Dearborn, the only child of Julie and Ramon Martinez II (AKA Mumsy and Killer to many of his friends and classmates). He was an extremely witty, passionate, and loyal man, the kind of guy everyone wanted to be around. Sadly, he spent the last few years of his life fighting two debilitating diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and MS, and was in great pain. He had many friends who provided him with support during those painful years. His sons would like to thank those who reached out to him, helped him with daily routines, and kept him company during his lonely times. Ray's family moved to Tucson in 1968. He graduated from Sahuaro High School in 1977 and was president of his senior class. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Political Science. Ray was most passionate about sports, and for this reason he opened his own sporting goods store and called it "The Sports Place". After the store closed, he got his dream job working at McKale Center as an Assistant Development Officer for Athletics. Due to his disabilities, he had to retire early, and he described his last day as one of the worst in his life. Ray grew up spending his afternoons listening to Vin Scully announce the Dodger games on the radio. That passion was squelched by baseball strikes and free agency. He couldn't understand how a guy in a Dodger uniform could ever play for another team. He was all about loyalty. He also loved the Wildcats. He swore one day he'd watch the U of A football team go to the Rose Bowl. God took him too soon. Ray touched so many lives, and once said, and I quote, "For the record, some day when it's my funeral you're planning, I expect you guys (his sons) to take roll. I wanna know who's not there (oh…don't kid yourself, I'll KNOW) and sell "priority seats" like I used to at McKale." He was always ready with a witty phrase. He joked his way through his pain. When asked "How ya doing Ray?" his response was "Just another day in paradise". He was optimistic, believing that everything would work its way out. He even joked about death and said that on his mythical tombstone, it would state that "THIS TIME THE PARACHUTE DIDN'T OPEN". We'll miss you Ray. You are now at peace and free from pain. Ray is survived by his two incredible sons, Danny and Bobby Martinez. Please visit the Facebook page entitled "Friends of Ray Martinez" for information about services. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL. - Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at the Stadium Club, at the AZ Stadium (East Side), with reception to follow.