Dr. Jose R. Martinez

Dr. Jose R. Martinez, 88 Professor Emeritus, Florida Southern College Lakeland- Dr. Jose R. Martinez died on September 4, 2013 at his home of heart failure. He was born November 15, 1924 in Matanzas, Cuba. Dr. Martinez was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Dr. Martinez was a Fulbright Scholar, and spoke three languages fluently. He was an Auxiliary volunteer at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. He taught Foreign Language for 27 years at Florida Southern College and was selected for the Outstanding Faculty Award in 1983 by the Omicron Delta Kappa honorary society. He was a member of the Florida Foreign Language Association and was honored by them as Spanish Teacher of the Year in 1986. Dr. Martinez was also a member of the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages, the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese and Sigma Delta Pi. He was predeceased by his son, Dr. Jose S.""Pepe"" Martinez. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Rosita Martinez, Lakeland, daughters Nena Martinez, Tallahassee, Dr. Charilyn (Angel Ramos ) Martinez-Ramos, Miami, daughter-in-law Jill Martinez, Lakeland, and 6 grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Children""s Clothes Closet at First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, Fl. 33801. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday September 7, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Service: 09/07/2013 First United Methodist Church 72 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland, FL 33801