Kevin Vincent Martin
April 26, 1950 ~ January 20, 2026
Born in:
Brooklyn, New York
Resided in:
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailKevin Vincent Martin, 75, of Hendersonville, passed away on January 20, 2026 at the Elizabeth House hospice in Flat Rock, North Carolina. Kevin’s passing was peaceful, and loving family were with him.
He was born in Brooklyn, New York, raised in Key Biscayne, Florida and moved to North Carolina in 1977. Kevin was a son of the late George Washington Martin Jr. and Eileen Sullivan Martin.
Kevin had an especially strong bond with his only son Jonathan and they both treasured their relationship. Kevin and his wife Nancy adored each other and their love for each other was powerful and unconditional throughout their time together, in health and sickness. Most of all, Kevin loved the Lord. He served as a Gideon and was a strong follower and believer, reading scripture every day and truly living a Godly life.
Kevin was generous and kind and always had a big smile and brought laughter and joy to everyone he met. He loved volunteering his time with the Big Brothers program, mentoring boys in the community.
Kevin had a career as an investment advisor, including 26 years with his dear friend and colleague Laura McCue. Laura’s sister, Priestly Ford was also a colleague and the three of them worked together at White Oak Financial. Kevin devoted over seventeen years to teaching Financial Strategy classes at: The University of North Carolina – Asheville; Asheville-Buncombe Community College; and many area churches, factories and other businesses.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Sachs Martin; his cherished son, Jonathan Grant Martin (wife, Makenzie); two grandchildren, Emory Rain Gibbs and Avery Noel Gibbs; step-son, Daniel Benjamin Gibbs (wife, Bridget); first cousin, Denis Martin; five siblings – George Washington Martin, III (and his wife, Linda), Kathleen Martin Heffernan (her husband, Bill), Eileen Martin Ortega (her husband, Jose), Susan Martin Oppenheimer and James Martin. Also sister-in- law Sandy Martin, sisters-in-law Susan and Linda Sachs and many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by two brothers, William “Bill” Martin and John “Johnny” Martin.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Groce Funeral Home Saturday April 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM. The service will be streamed live via Kevin’s obituary page at grocefuneralhome.com. His family will greet friends at the funeral home immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family graciously asks that memorial donations be made to any of the following: The Four Seasons Foundation (please specify The Elizabeth House) at www.fourseasonsfdn.org, Memory Care at www.memorycare.org, Mountain Aging Partners at www.mountainagingpartners.org/donate or Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Henderson County at www.bbbswnc.org.
Services
Celebration of Life: April 25, 2026 2:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
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We are so sorry for your loss, Nancy. Kevin was a bright light and his smile always filled the room. Your love for each other was undeniable and we share this loss with you.
Kevin thanks for your kindness and caring heart. Your smile was a bright light to everyone around. Your love of music was amazing. Thank you for sharing your wonderful son with our family. We can’t fill your void, but we will keep loving Jonathan. RIP
Kevin was a blessing, truly, to all who knew him. The love that Kevin and Nancy shared was a bright shining beacon, showing us all what true love is. I am so sorry for you loss.
I first met Kevin as a wide eyed financial planner, on my first day, which was October 19, 1987.
Black Monday!!!
I’ll always remember Kevin was calmly talking to his customers and reassuring them not to worry as they were all in it for the long haul.
The office was very chaotic and Kevin took the time to introduce himself to me and asked me where I was from where I went to school, etc.
He about broke my hand when we shook hands.
His persona was bigger than life and he had that loud laugh that I can hear right now.
It breaks my heart to hear of his passing, and it brings me great solace to my heart to know that he is pain-free and loving life with his Lord and Savior.
Kevin was one of a kind and I will never forget him.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Oh my dear Cousin, I am so sorry for your loss! May he rest in peace. He is with our Lord and Savior, now. How nice you had a celebration of life that time in March. Thinking of you all.
Love you, dear Nancy ❤️🩹
One of the best men ever, his struggles are over and he has arrived home. So sorry for your loss Nancy, you were a Godsend to Kevin, blessings.
Kevin was such a hearty and jovial soul. I meet him first in 1993 as I was hired to assist him in his client management at Hilliard Lyons. He was an idea man and so fun to work with because it was never dull. He would develop ideas to grow our business and nothing would hold him back from executing them flawlessly. I miss his laugh and upbeat personality in our office that we shared in different places over 22+ years. He will be much missed by the many whose lives he affected.
Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. Kevin was the love of your life. He will be truly missed. My prayers are with you and Kevin’s family and in my heart.
He has some special traits like singing and dancing . His smile, his willingness to help others.
Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. Kevin was the love of your life. He will be truly missed. My prayers are with you and Kevin’s family and in my heart.
He has some special traits like singing and dancing . His smile, his willingness to help others. He will be missed.
Dear family, I offer my deepest sympathy. Kevin and I worked together at Interstate, Johnson Lane. Kevin was a joy,and a treasure..a kind and God filled man. Treasure your memories. We will see him again.
Dear family, I offer you my deepest sympathy. Kevin and I worked together at Interstate, Johnson Lane. Kevin was a joy,and a treasure..a kind and God filled man. Treasure your memories. We will see him again.
To the Martin/Heffernan/Ortega families-
God bless you for the loss of your sweet sweet father/brother/uncle/cousin/brother-in-law. I’m so sad y’all can’t get together for a celebration of life due to inclement weather everywhere. I miss you all and often reminisce about the most awesome Martin family, whom I had the pleasure to know and love for 15 years! I wish Jonathan + all of you Miamians & extended family much peace at this unfortunate time.
God bless Kevin because I know he loved God; heck, he showed love to just about everyone! Having known him for the past 20 years, I have to say he’s one of the funniest and most jovial folks I’ve ever had the pleasure to know (his Ronald Reagan impression just can’t be beat)!
God bless you, Nancy Martin. You have always been such a strong woman. I know Kevin struggled the past few years, and I know the toll care taking can take on one’s life, but I also know you cared for Kev with a happy heart. I loved your love! Kevin was definitely head over heels for you, and what a blessing he lived to be 75 years young!
Wishing all of those close to Kevin peace and comfort at this time.
P.S. Maddie Martin has been up there waiting to wag alongside grandpa Kev since October 2024, and it makes me smile to think of that (as well as all of the other family reunions Kevin is undoubtedly having)!
xoxo,
Elizabeth (Liz) Duckett
I was so very sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. We will be praying for the family.