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Martin Nesbitt Obituary
Asheville
Martin Luther Nesbitt, Jr., 67, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2014.
A native of Buncombe County, he was the son of the late Martin L. Nesbitt, Sr. and Mary Cordell Nesbitt.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Deane S. Nesbitt; son Martin Nesbitt and his wife, Lisa, of Swannanoa and their daughter Taylor; step-son, Chad Nesbitt and his wife, Nancy, of Leicester and their daughter Savannah and his sister, Mary Ann Dotson-Silvey and her husband, Bill, of Lake Lure and her children, Mac, Tony, Kenneth and LeAnn Dotson.
Martin graduated from A.C. Reynolds High School and received his BA and JD Degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He returned home to form a law practice in which he remained active until his death. In 1979 he was appointed to replace his Mother in the NC House of Representatives and with exception of one term, he served the constituents of Western North Carolina, first in the House and then in the Senate for 31 years.
A celebration of his life is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Biltmore Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends for two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to MAHEC (Mountain Area Health Education Center), 121 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803-2868.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family and the memorial register is available at www.grocefuneral home.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martin Nesbitt
Martha Lowrance
March 13, 2014
Senator Martin Nesbitt was a strong public servant for the people of North Carolina, especially his district and Western North Carolina.
As a member of the public, I had the opportunity to work with him on the Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, DD, and Substance Abuse Service Services. He was a strong leader who worked hard to help improve the lives of people with mental health illnesses, DD issues, and substance abuse disease. He worked to provide additional funding during a time when it was difficult to provide additional funging to these programs.
Martin Nesbitt was a public servant at a time when there were not many in the General Assembly. He will be greatly missed.
Sheila Mickey
March 12, 2014
May the family of Senator Martin Nesbitt who are left behind here continue to step up to the plate of their calling---and each commit to be a better person everyday and never look back and never give up. A relative, who happens to be the same age.... Sheila Nesbitt
Mickey
Vicki Riek
March 12, 2014
My father passed away almost 5 years ago after a brave struggle against stomach cancer. It's a disease that comes on without much notice and takes it's toll very quickly. I miss my father every day and will never get used to living without him and not being able to call him when I need an answer to a question, tell him something funny, or just tell him how much I love him. My heart is with you in your grief and I hope that the way your beloved man led his life, and his concern for others will bring you comfort.
March 12, 2014
North Carolina will miss this great public servant as I am sure his family will also. His Mother was a champion for the teachers of the state.
John Hudson
March 11, 2014
He was a fine fine man and a servant to his state and fellowman.
Tommy Thompson
March 11, 2014
I will never forget the favor he did for me when my daughter had a serious brain operation at Duke. Martin will be missed at the race track. Praying for God's comfort and strength during this time.
March 11, 2014
We have been proud to be in the same family with such a fine person. Blessings to wife, sns and sister. JC and Thelma Nesbitt
MINISTER JAMES GRANT
March 11, 2014
DEAR FAMILY, WE WERE ALL BLESSED TO HAVE THIS GREAT MAN IN OUR LIVES. PRAYING FOR ALL.
Brent & Debi Buchanan
March 10, 2014
Senator Martin Nesbitt, larger than life! What an amazing legacey you have. An advocate for all that is right for the people you served. What a blessing it was to know you! To say you had a big heart was indeed an understatement. Dear family may God bless you through this difficult time. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Summers
March 10, 2014
Senator Nesbitt made a difference in the lives of so many people all across North Carolina. We are thankful for his compassion and his willingness to speak up for those who needed a voice on education, mental health and so many other issues.
Erma Huntley Rhodes
March 10, 2014
Martin our family will miss you so much. Thanks for all the help you provided to the citizens of Buncombe County. Many times you stepped up to help those when others were unable to do so. May God Bless the family and friends who loved you so much.
Sid Baker
March 9, 2014
Public education in North Carolina and the voice of the less fortunate lost a true statesman, a friend, and a fighter with the passing of Sen. Martin Nesbitt. I am glad to have known Sen. Nesbitt for more than twenty years and to be able to witness his vow to stand up for what is right and to do what is right. Regardless of what side of the aisle you were on, you could always count on Martin to stand up and be heard. His compassion was unparalleled and his spirit was contagious. To his family, may our God give you the strength and courage to persevere during this difficult time. Your husband, father, grandfather, and friend was a giant among all of us. Rest in Peace Sen. Nesbitt for always fighting the good fight. We miss you and we love you!
L T Ward
March 9, 2014
We at WNC Communities send our deepest condolences to the Nesbitt family. What a loss yet what a gain from his service. Senator Martin was a giant! His life time of meaningful contributions to the improvement of the quality of life for the folks in the mountains can never be matched. His footsteps were firm, solid and made with confidence and determination. His foot prints larger than life. His pathways will continue to lead followers in a meaningful direction. We at WNC Communities are most appreciative for his long standing support for the folks in the mountain region.
God Bless you during this time and always.
Pamela Hawes
March 9, 2014
Senator Nesbitt was a true Statesman in every sense of the word. Our family had the honor and privileges of knowing, being acquainted with and valuing the same missions for our wonderful area(s) and State. His love and services to our mountains and people will be missed. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Arlene Pulley
March 9, 2014
I worked with both Martin and his Mother in the NC House. He was a great representative for all of us. It is hard to find the words to describe him, he has been a true representative of those who otherwise would have no voice. God bless you Martin and your family who shared you with us all these years that you traveled thousands of miles to serve all of us.
Riley Brown
March 9, 2014
My deepest sympathy for the family I am so sorry for the lost of Sen.Martin Nesbitt
Linda Barker
March 8, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the Nesbitt family. He was truly one of the best pioneers for the citizens of NC. May God bless u and RIP my dear friend.
estelle
March 8, 2014
Sorry to hear of your loss. May God comfort you. David was inspired by God to write... The Lord is my Shepard, I shall lack nothing.
T. Jerry Williams
March 8, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the Nesbitt family. I have known and worked with Martin since he first became a member of the General Assembly. He loved our State. He loved The Mountains and he loved Buncombe County. And too, you always knew where you stood with the Senator on an issue. I am among the legions across our State who will miss this Statesman. May he Rest In Peace.
March 8, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Debra and David Creasman
Sarah Preston
March 8, 2014
Senator Nesbitt will be missed in the halls of the General Assembly and on the floor of the Senate.
Clark Pennell
March 8, 2014
Martin was a true champion of the citizens of NC.
He will certainly be missed.
Jerry and Gail Jones
March 8, 2014
Mr. Nesbitt helped state employees who were called up for active duty as reservists and guard. If they were injured in the line of duty they could receive disability from the state until the federal government granted them disability. A state employee who had a war related injury could not do this before he was able to get the law changed. Thank you for all you did for so many! God bless the family.
March 8, 2014
The Nesbitt Family & sister Mary Ann & husband Bill....Our deepest sympathy for your loss...A great man who represented North Carolina in a Great way...He will be truly missed...He was a good friend to have....With Deepest Sympathy...Garry L Cauble & wife Sherrie
March 8, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time. May memories of Martin bring you peace.
BSheppard
Harley Fender
March 8, 2014
Rest is peace!
Paula Wolf
March 7, 2014
Martin was a champion of all that was good for the people of Buncombe County and the State of North Carolina. A tireless public servant and statesman, he was brilliant and effective. Rest in peace, my friend and mentor.
Tim Southers
March 7, 2014
Good man. Bog loss for North Carolina.
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