Felix A. Martinez Jr., lovingly known as “Coach Martinez,” passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas. He was born on March 22, 1957, in Floydada, Texas, to Feliz Benavides Martinez and Dominga Aranda Martinez.

Felix graduated from Petersburg High School in 1975 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Eastern New Mexico University in 1981. He dedicated many years of his life to education, serving as a teacher and coach in Lorenzo, Texas, proudly representing the Hornets before retiring in 2015. He took great pride in being a coach and affectionately referred to himself as “Coach FMX.” He loved his students and the opportunity to encourage, teach, and inspire them. The impact he made on his students and athletes continued long after they left his classroom and the playing field.

Felix was a man who enjoyed the things that made him happy. He loved loud rock music and could spend hours at Ralph’s Records searching for that one band or album he had been looking for. He enjoyed watching drag racing on television and attending classic car shows. He also loved going to garage sales, always on the lookout for a good find, and proudly cheering on his Dallas Cowboys.

Those who knew Felix will remember not only his passions, but also his personality and the expressions that were uniquely his. “Word!”, “Why you trippin?”, and “Yeeaahh!” were among his favorite phrases and are sure to bring a smile to the faces of those who loved him.

Above all, Felix loved his family. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and cherished the time spent with those closest to him. His family was his greatest accomplishment and his greatest joy.

He is survived by his mother, Dominga; his wife, Guadalupe; his sons, Isaac Martinez and wife Michelle, and Andrew Martinez and wife Alexia; and his grandchildren, Maddux Martinez, Alexander Martinez, Isabella Martinez, and Ximena Martinez.

He is also survived by his siblings, Fernando Martinez and wife Sylvia, Lionel Martinez and wife Becky, Gilbert Martinez and wife Laura, Minerva De Leon and husband Joe, Lee Roy Martinez, and Rachel Martinez.

Felix was preceded in death by his father, Feliz Benavides Martinez.

Felix leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, music, family, and the many lives he touched through his years as a teacher and coach. He will be deeply missed by his family, former students, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on in the stories, music, phrases, and countless memories he leaves behind.