George Martinez
George Martinez age 78 of Lynn Haven, FL passed away Thursday August 13, 2026 at Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center in Panama City, FL surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral service will be held 2p.m. Saturday August 22, 2026 at Mckinnie Funeral Home 5304 Bowden Hill Rd Campbellton, FL with Rev. Henry Forward officiating. Interment will follow in the McChapel Cemetery located 4963 Old US Road Marianna, FL with full military honors and with Mckinnie Funeral Home of Campbellton, FL directing.
George Martinez was born on December 12, 1947, to the late Jorge Martinez and Silveria Olavarria in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The family resided in Arecibo until George was three years old, and the family relocated to Hoboken, New Jersey.
George received a public education and at the age of 19 joined the United States Airforce. George had a successful military career while serving as a Technical Aircraft Superintendent. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant, along with numerous other accolades and retired after serving honorably for 25 years.
Unknowingly for some, George had a love for the water. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan, George became a Master Scuba Diver with certifications in boating, scuba repair and underwater photography.
After his retirement from the Airforce, George was employed at Northwest Florida Reception Center in Chipley, FL, where he retired as a Sergeant in 2007.
George leaves to cherish his memories: A loving and devoted wife, Nellie Martinez. Three sons: George Martinez, Bethlehem, PA, Eric Martinez, Haines City, FL and Christopher Martinez, Jersey City, NJ. One daughter: Bridgitte (Henry) Forward, Chipley, FL. Nine grandchildren: Kyla Martinez, Julia Martinez, Giovanni Martinez, Eric Martinez III, Christopher Martinez II, Adryan Martinez, Isaiah Martinez, Streight Forward and Press Forward. One great-grandchild: Millie Martinez. One brother: William (Maria) Martinez, Ridgewood, NJ. Three brothers-in-law: Arthur (Lisa) Smith, Bascom, FL, Raymond (Mary) Smith, Malone, FL, Phillip (Ethel) Smith, Gordon, AL. Four sisters-in-law: Essie Smith, Mulberry, FL, Carol (Reginald) Britt, Campbellton, FL, Ann Smith and Mary Joe Smith, both of Lakeland, FL. A host of nieces, nephews and friends.
