RAUL “Big Rudy” MARTINEZ PHARR —

in 1970. After graduating, he attended Pan American University and received his Bachelor’s Degree in English in 1988. Mr. Martinez worked at PSJA ISD for 22 years as a teacher. Along with being an educator, Raul was also a member of the Crossroads Baptist Church. Besides being an Educator and Church member, he dedicated his time to politics in the city of Pharr where he served two consecutive terms as a city commissioner and appointed to numerous boards which are: Housing Authority, Bridge Board, PEDC, and Planning and Zoning committee.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Rosa Evangelina Martinez; his parents, Esteban and Eliboria Martinez; and two siblings, Esteban Martinez and Ana bertha Martinez.

Mr. Martinez is survived by his daughter, Yvonne Martinez; two grandchildren, Jacob Benavides and Victoria Benavides; four Raul “Big Rudy” Martinez, 70, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg.

A lifelong resident of the City of Pharr, Raul graduated from PSJA High School other grandchildren; and eight siblings, Anna Rosa Ibarra, Berta Alicia Pedraza, Rosa Alva Martinez, Oscar Martinez, Javier Martinez, Ana bertha Longoria, Olga Lydia Castillo, and Edwardo Martinez.

Visitation was held from 5 to 8 p.m. with a 6 p.m. prayer service Sunday, May 7, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service took place at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 8, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in San Juan. Interment followed at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens in Pharr.

The Martinez family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the Doctors Hospital at Renaissance.

Mr. Martinez’s family and community were his pride and joy, and he will be missed by all.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.