Ezekiel Martinez

Ezekiel Martinez, a loving brother, a generous friend, a brilliant businessman and a tribe builder, transitioned to his heavenly home on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 in Lynchburg, Virginia.

He is survived by his parents, Danny Martinez, Uniontown, OH; and Heidi Allen Martinez, Canal Fulton, OH; sister, Kelsie Martinez, Akron, Ohio; nephew, Benton Everhart, Lynchburg, VA; maternal grandmother Barbara Hoover, Canal Fulton, OH; and paternal grandmother Darlena “Nana” Martinez, North Canton, OH.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Dean “Pappy” Martinez, and Benton Allen.

Zeke was born on June 20, 1993 in Akron, Ohio. He attended Lake Center Christian School where his parents knew he would have the best education possible to set him up for success, and where he met life long friends.

Zeke and his sister Kelsie grew up fishing, camping with their family and spending summer days at dogwood pool. Later they graduated together from Liberty University. They spent hours singing and dancing to Taylor Swift and enjoying fine cuisine. Zeke cherished his nephew Benton who made him light up like nobody else. A few favorite memories is “Uncle Zeke’s Pumpkin Patch”, watching movies together, and letting Benton drive his tractor and his truck.

Zeke had an exceptional way of thinking, even as a child. He often was found chatting with the parents at parties about business and world events while the other kids played. As a young boy he prided himself on his academics and started his own tutoring business when in middle school. When he was old enough to ride a moped he was seen riding around town to his various students, charging $20 an hour cash. He was well worth his fees.

Zeke never met a stranger. His charming personality endeared those that met him and his boisterous laugh was contagious. Sometimes he’d laugh without a known reason and soon everyone was laughing.

He had an innate bond with any dog or baby he met. They loved him and he loved them. He was an amazing uncle “funcle” to many. His generosity and kindness was always poured out on those he loved. If he heard you say you liked something, he’d find a way to give it to you because that’s what made him happy.

Zeke loved learning, and like everything else he did, he fast-tracked it and excelled at it. He graduated from Liberty University with a degree in accounting when he was 19, while living on his own and working full time at CVS.

Upon graduation, he joined CSE, Inc. in Madison Heights, VA as a Project Coordinator. He eagerly embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and develop leadership skills.

With his entrepreneurial spirit calling to him, Zeke left CSE to pursue his true passion. He got his real estate license and joined Keller Williams as a real estate agent. He quickly earned top commissions with his unique sales approach.

He and a friend also established Derbyshire Proh, a real estate management company. Over time they bought, renovated and managed multiple units, creating the foundation for what would become Derbyshire Real Estate and its affiliated entities.

Ever the visionary, Zeke bought out his partner, left Keller Williams, and ventured into other areas. He purchased The Carpet Shop, modernized it, and built his offices there. He expanded his rental management services footprint to include commercial properties, while continuing to expand his personal portfolio of properties. Eventually those operations would encompass multiple states and hundreds of units.

Zeke strongly believed in giving back. He made multiple trips to and supported Healing Haiti. He believed in empowering others to achieve their potential and used his own story as an example. He loved mentoring youth, teaching them life, business and leadership principles.

Wherever he went, Zeke left indelible footprints. He was uniquely gifted with a keen vision, a constant drive for accomplishment, and a piercing business acumen with which he built a thriving group of businesses at a very young age.

For those who loved him, however, what is imprinted on our hearts is his generosity, his awesome smile and great hair, his passion for travel, and his love for those in his tribe. He brought us together, from different communities and different states, into a circle of faith, connection and love. And because of his beautiful spirit, our lives are forever changed.

A celebration of life reception will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2022, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Boonsboro Country Club. Those who would like to celebrate with us are invited to drop by.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the church or charity of your choice.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg is assisting the family.