F. Daniel "Dan" Martin

Daniel “Dan” Martin passed peacefully on October 25, 2023. He was 87.

A longtime resident of Asheville, he retired from the NC Department of Transportation in 2002 after 37 years of service. He served as Division Engineer of Division 14 out of Sylva and also served as Division Engineer of Division 13 out of Asheville. Upon his retirement he was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine by the state of NC for his exemplary service and accomplishments. He enjoyed his work and years serving the communities associated with each division. He was well respected as his work was not only about the building and maintenance of roadways but serving the people of the community.

After retirement Daniel could be found serving others. He participated in mission trips to Alaska, Ukraine, Puerto Rico, Alabama. He made sure others in his community were taken care of, often organizing a group to tackle needs of those unable to provide for themselves.

Daniel was born In Smyrna, SC. He met his wife of 45 years, Margaret Sloan, while driving his local school bus route. After their marriage and birth of their first child, he made the decision to attend Clemson University. He worked hard not only in his studies but also multiple jobs to provide for his family and his education. He graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Civil engineering in 1965 and remained a forever faithful fan of the Clemson Tigers.

The highlight of his life were his grandchildren. He enjoyed any time spent with them, talking to them, supporting them in their endeavors and endless rounds of fun riding the tractor on those special chores only they could help him finish.

While our father, grandfather and friend to many will be missed, we will carry him in our hearts and hope that we too can serve others and honor the God he so dearly loved.

Daniel is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; his parents Ruby and Lloyd; and brother Howard. Remaining family members include daughter Yvonne; son Michael, wife Carinthia, granddaughter Sloan and grandson Lucas; son Bryan, wife Brenda, granddaughter Kailyn; son Allen; son Robert; sister Virginia Revels and brother, Cordell Martin.

Visitation will be Wednesday, November 15, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Groce Funeral Home Arden location. Celebration of life service to be held on Thursday, November 16, 1:00 p.m. at Boiling Springs Baptist Church. Graveside service at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 18 at Broad River Baptist Church, Smyrna, SC.

Memorials can be made to Four Seasons Hospice Care, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or to Boiling Springs Baptist Church Building Fund in memory of Daniel Martin, P.O. Box 1177, Fletcher, NC 28732.