Fred Ray Martin

Fred Ray Martin, 79 years old, a previous resident of Madisonville and Nacogdoches, TX, passed away on Friday, December 31, 2021, in Lufkin, TX. A private graveside service for immediate family will be held at Willowhole Cemetery in North Zulch, TX.

Fred, or “Ray”, as he was known to many, was born on November 23, 1942, in Madisonville, TX to Fred Davis Martin and Patricia “Patsy” McMurrough. He grew up in Galena Park, TX and graduated from Galena Park High School, where he was a proud member of the Yellowjackets Marching Band, where he played the snare drum. He later attended Sam Houston State University, where he earned a Bachelors degree in History in 1969. Fred served in the U.S. Army from 1965-1967, stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he achieved the rank of Specialist (SP4 T) and earned a National Defense Service Medal as well as citations for good conduct and marksmanship.

On June 11, 1971, he married Pauline Tijerina in Houston, TX. They have two children: John Edward Martin and Felicia Marie Martin, both born and raised in Houston. Over the years, Fred worked for the Houston Independent School District, Hughes Tool Co., Oteco Inc., and retired as a corrections officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He spent his retirement years caring for his elderly parents in Madisonville and Nacogdoches, TX.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Davis Jarrel Martin.

Fred is survived by his wife, Pauline, his son, John, daughter, Felicia, her wife, Monica Garcia, and grandchildren, Christian and Isabella Garcia.

Fred was a great lover of history, old western movies, and classic country music – especially Patsy Kline, Johnny Cash, and Marty Robbins. He enjoyed reading, fishing, camping, gardening, long drives, visiting historical sites, watching football, and making brisket or chicken on the barbecue. He was a lifelong Democrat, a one-time union organizer, little league coach, and a member of the American Legion Post 84 in Madisonville, TX.

Arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, TX.