Arthur Manuel Martinez, Jr.

Arthur Manuel Martinez Jr., aka "Big Wiz" beloved son, brother, father, nephew, cousin and friend unexpectedly passed away June 4, 2023 in Visalia, CA at the age of 47. Wiz was born June 5, 1975 in Visalia, CA to the late Arthur M. Martinez Sr. and Lupe Sahagun-Martinez. He was the younger brother of Stephanie Meza and older brother to Adam Martinez. He was the father of Izzak, Tatiyana, Jayden, Gordon and Ziggy. Although born in Visalia, Wiz called Woodlake home. He attended Woodlake Schools and graduated from Woodlake High School in 1993. During his academic journey, Wiz made lifelong friends that have withstood the test of time. While in high school, he played one year of football, but always supported his family, friends and fellow Tigers. While in high school, Wiz was able to travel to Canada with Young Life and once again, Wiz being Wiz became an international friend to many. He never met a stranger because he made friends everywhere he went. He enjoyed going to Three Rivers with friends and usually came home with one or two new ones. After high school, Wiz joined the family business and began working for with his uncles in Sahagun Construction. He was very good with his hands and enjoyed working outdoors. At home, he could be found taking something apart or putting it back together, minus a few screws. His construction skills, in recent years, took him across the United States with his cousins remodeling and building various new franchise buildings. He really enjoyed working in New York and Tennessee. Moreover, as he passed through the various states, he made new friends needless to say, Wiz made friends from the four corners of the continent and beyond. He loved listening to music and could name every song and the year it came out. He enjoyed hanging out with friends and reminiscing about the good times and childhood memories. He had a tremendous memory that left many in awe. Wiz was always the life of the party and would set the tone to make sure everyone was having a good time laughing and dancing, after all he was the line dance leader and king. A good friend of Wiz's said "If Wiz was part of the a band, he'd be the lead singer!" "Big Wiz" as his mom would call him, will always be her big boy. They shared an unconditional love that a mother can only have with her children. He made sure his mom was never alone and would help whenever needed. That is the kind of person Wiz was, always helpful and a good friend. He lived to live, not exist. Wiz was preceded in death by his father Arthur Manuel Martinez Sr., paternal grandparents Tony and Jovita Martinez, maternal grandparents Jose and Maria Sahagun, Uncles Peter Martinez Sr., Raul "Rudy" Sahagun and Pepe Sahagun. The loved ones he leaves behind will forever miss him: his mother Lupe Sahagun-Martinez of Woodlake, children Izzak, Tatiyana, Jayden, Gordon and Sebastian "Ziggy" all of Woodlake. Siblings Adam (Erica) Martinez of Visalia, Arthur (Veronica) Martinez of Woodlake, Stephanie (David) Meza of Visalia and Sheena (Juan) Vasquez of Lindsay as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. His legacy will live on through the countless number of stories and memories that Wiz blessed and left us. Visitation will be held 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Friday, June 23rd, 2023 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Rosary will be held 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Friday, June 23rd, 2023 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Memorial services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, June 23rd, 2023 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Graveside services will be held 12:30 PM Friday, June 23rd, 2023 at Woodlake Public Cemetery, 165 N Cypress St, Woodlake. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Arthur Manuel Martinez, Jr.

June 5, 1975 - June 4, 2023