Salome J. Martinez III, affectionately known by many as “Chale Chico” or “Nuni,” will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Born on June 16, 1964, to Salome S. Martinez Jr. and Margarita Sierra Martinez, he passed away on July 19, 2026.

Salome worked for many years at the family-owned business, Salome's Grocery and Meat Market, where he developed a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Always thinking like a businessman, he dreamed of creating a way to help families and friends come together to celebrate special occasions. What began with building and sanding plywood tables by hand grew into the successful business SM3 Tables & Chairs. Over the years, he expanded his services to include bouncer houses and water slide rentals, helping create countless joyful memories throughout the community.

Salome had a passion for life and enjoyed many hobbies and sports. He loved surfing, skateboarding, rollerblading, bicycling, football, and baseball. His adventurous spirit, energy, and enthusiasm for life were evident in everything he did.

Above all, Salome will be remembered for his generosity, his loving heart, and his vibrant personality. He was full of life, always energetic, and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to those around him. His legacy of kindness, hard work, and community spirit will live on in the hearts of family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

He leaves behind cherished memories that will be treasured forever, and his presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace.

Salome is survived by his parents, Salome Martinez Jr. and Margarita Sierra Martinez; his daughter, Victoria Martinez; his ex-wife, Edna Guerra; his sisters, Patricia Martinez Ramirez (Guadalupe) and Alma Gloria Rivas (Raymond); and his cherished nephew Joshua Martinez, niece Dalila Trujillo, nieces, and friends, Willie Rosales, Troy Hood, Frank Maldonado, Marcus Rodriguez, Jaime Rodriguez, John Garza, Perrin Ramirez, and Patsy Sanchez; and his dog, Blue. He was preceded in death by his sister, Alma De La Fuente.

The family expresses deep gratitude to his ex-wife Edna Guerra, his father, Salome S. Martinez Jr., Walmart Pharmacy, With Open Arms Home Health, San Benito Medical Associates, U.S. Renal Care, Gomez Cardiology, Kidney, Hypertension Specialist, Foot Care, Gulf Coast Eye Institute, and his nurse, Alvaro.

The Martinez family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home with a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Following the Mass, Salome will be laid to rest at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Willie Rosales Jr., Frank Maldonado, John Garza, Lupe Ramirez, Victor Abreau, Marcus Rodriguez, Perrin Ramirez, and Josh Martinez. Honorary pallbearers are Patsy Sanchez, Ashley Abreu, Jose Carlos Abreu, Dan Reyes, Frank Maldonado, John Garza, Jesus Abreu and Mike Folk.