Willie MartinezJanuary 9, 1936 ~ August 2, 2008 Willie Martinez, 72, of Waco passed away Saturday August 2, 2008, at his home surrounded by his family. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 5, at Connally Compton Funeral Home. A rosary will be recited at 7 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday August 6, at St. Francis Catholic Church with Father Roman Burgos as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery with military honors. Willie was born in Coolidge, Texas on Jan. 9, 1936 to Sipriana and Anastacio Martinez. Willie married the love of his life Mary Lou Ortiz of Waco on April 26, 1956. They were blessed with five children. Willie worked for Elmo Moore Carpet, Fashion Floors and Lake Air Interior for many years as a carpet layer. In later years, he was self-employed until his illness forced him into early retirement. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed the New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, Reicher Cougars and Waco High Lions with a passion. In his younger days, he was part of several semi-pro baseball teams including Waco Mission, the Waco LULAC and St. Francis Baseball Club. He proudly served for 20 years and retired as a Texas National Guardsman. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and a member of the Cursillistas. Willie was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and could often be found at school functions, little league games and school sporting events. Willie was preceded in death by his parents. He survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Mary Lou; children and their spouses: Bill and Ruby Martinez, Richard and Lisa Lopez, Leon and Gigi Jimenez, Lorenzo and Leticia Sisneroz, William and Michelle McGinnis; grandchildren Angela Martinez-Martinez, Veronica Espinosa, BJ and Nicole Martinez, Alyssa and Katie Lopez, Leon, Bryan and Carlos Jimenez, Tiffany Torres and Matthew, Alison, Will and Ethan McGinnis; great-grandchildren; Blaine, Gregory, Alex, Eric, Audryna, Michael, Aiyanah; three brothers, Lupe, Theodore and Ignacio; eight sisters, Anita Lopez, Gloria Guzman, Janie Martinez, Julie Moreno, Reyes Martinez, Cecilia Olivarez, Carolyn Perez and Florence Sustaita; step-mother, Maria Carbajal; Tio Juanito Martinez and Tia Inez Olivarez; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Pallbearers will be Leon Jimenez Jr., BJ Martinez, Bryan Jimenez, Matthew McGinnis, Carlos Jimenez and Aurash Kamkar. Honorary Pallbearers will be Richard Lopez, Leon Jimenez, Lorenzo Sisneroz, William McGinnis and Jesse Martinez. The family expresses gratitude to Hillcrest Hospice, especially Traci Fritz, Kathleen Horner and Deborah Vernon for their support and care of Willie.