Joel "J.R." Ray Martz, 66, of Smithfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the SECU Hospice House. Born February 7, 1959, in Portsmouth, Virginia, he was the son of the late William and Mary Martz.

J.R. was a kind and caring person. He was a patriotic American who loved his country; J.R. was an avid gun collector. He enjoyed collecting things and fixing them. He was very handy. He will be missed dearly by his family.

J.R. is survived by his brothers, Dale Martz and Tony Martz (Debbie); sister, Belinda Adams (Harry); nieces and nephews, Valerie Cooke (Travis), Sherry Gribble, Ryan Martz, Joshua Adams (Lauren), and Joseph Adams.

Funeral service will take place Friday, December 5, 2025, at 1:00pm, in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SECU Hospice House at Johnston Health Foundation Attn: Hospice Fund PO Box 1376 Smithfield, NC 27577.