Harry Neil "Butch" Martin III
July 13, 1959 ~ January 9, 2021
Born in:
Asheville, NC
Resided in:
Leicester, NC
Harry Neil “Butch” Martin III, 61, of Leicester, NC, surrounded by the love of family and friends was called home January 9, 2021.
A native of Buncombe County, Butch was a proud Eagle Scout and graduate of Asheville High School. After graduation from Mars Hill College, he became the third generation working in the family business, the Harry N. Martin Co. located in Asheville, and eventually leading the company.
A lover of God, music and people; Butch was an active Church member with an infectious smile and an eager willingness to serve. He was a leader and participant in the Walk to Emmaus Ministries and truly traveled a life-long journey with Christ using his gifts to reflect that love.
Butch was a gifted musician who passionately sang in church choirs and was frequently asked to sing the national anthem at the Asheville Tourist baseball games. In his later years he worked with local high schools, colleges and the Exceptional Children of Asheville City Schools as a bus driver.
Mr. Martin is survived by his wife, Charlene Steelman Martin; his mother, Sandra Wallace Martin of Asheville; a daughter, Lydia Ruth Cousineau and her husband Nolan of Cincinnati, OH; a son Nathan Charles Martin and his wife Helene of Asheville; a sister Nancy Martin Busic and her husband Jack of Clemmons, NC; brothers Stuart and Andrew Martin and a very large extended family.
A celebration of life service is scheduled for 1:30 pm on January 20, 2021 at New Life Community Church in Asheville for those who wish to attend in person and it will also be live streamed at https://boxcast.tv/view/butch-martin-142800. Please wear masks and adhere to Covid guidelines in the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Life Community Church, “SEND” Missions Fund so that Butch’s contagious love for people will continue to change lives locally and globally.
Services
Celebration of Life: January 20, 2021 1:30 pm
New Life Community Church
147 New Life Dr.
Asheville, NC 28804
(828) 254-0040
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So sorry to see this. Prayers for you all.
Charlene & family, I’m sending prayers and hugs for all of you. I’m so sorry to hear of Butch’s passing. I will always remember his bright smile and how friendly he was to everyone.
Marisa and Derek
I am so sorry. I remember you and Butch as our youth group leaders. My prayers are with you and your family. May God give you strength, comfort, and love during this difficult time and in the days to follow. ❤🙏
Charlene & children, my thoughts & prayers are with you all! May God give you peace & understanding during your time of grieving! Know that heaven has received another angel! Take care! Phil. 4:13 always! ✌️❤️😷!!!
Lydia and family, my sincerest condolences. I remember going to those baseball games and having so much fun with your dad! Anytime I would see him out, we made sure to hug! I loved that! Sending my love and prayers to you all.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying that God with comfort you during this sorrowful time.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying the God of all comfort helps you at this difficult time.
(2Corinthians 1:3,4 & Psalms 83:18). Jesus told us to pray for God’s Kingdom because the Bible promises it will end tears pain and death. (Revelation 21:4,5 & Daniel 2:44).
We have many fond memories of Butch from band festivals to soccer games and school activities. He was so happy and full of life!
We know he fought a tough battle here on this earth, but now he has no more pain!
Sending love and prayers Charlene, Lydia Nathan, and all of extended family.🙏🙏
Phil and Vicki Teague
Sandra and family, I am so sorry. May memories be a blessing to you.
Charlene, Your Hominy Valley family is holding you in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss and praying that God will comfort you during this time.
Charlene, I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember Butch’s infectious smile and his beautiful voice from Woodland Hills. I am praying for you and your family!
I’m so sorry for the pain you are going through from the loss of this precious man. His Love surely has spreads wide. You couldn’t help but be affected when he walked in the room. I will hear Butch in witty sarcasm. See him when I see children light up with joy. I will miss his bold laughter, but mostly I will see him when Godly men are worshipping the Lord singing with his entire soul. Even though I feel I only knew him for a short time he has made such an imprint on me.
Much Love and Prayers
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Butch always had a smile and kind word for all. He will be missed by all who knew him. May your memories be blessed with all the wonderful times you shared as a family. God bless!
Our condolences Martin family…and prayers for peace and comfort in knowing that Butch is flying high with the Angels. God’s speed, Butch.
Sharing thoughts of this special man, Ka’thy
We are so sorry to hear about Butch. He was always such a joy to be around. There are so many great memories about him and the Enka Band. The students in the band always enjoyed having him around. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Martin family.
Roger and Jan Caldwell
Charlene and family, I share your grief and am praying for you. Memories of this good man help me smile! I knew Butch from 6th grade to now. His smile and laugh were real. He is now singing with the angels!
Charlene-
Butch seemed to always be smiling when he visited in the classroom! I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Praying for you as you navigate these hard days.
Condolences and much love to Sandra, Charlene, his children and all his extended family. He was a kind, helpful, and loving person as a youth and as a man. I will always have very fond memories of growing up with Butch from being in a play with him at Asheville High (our one-act won regionals and went on to the state competitions) to singing in the choir at First Baptist to many church trips and gatherings. Butch was a very special person, strong in his love for family, friends, and faith in God. My family and I are so sorry. Praying for comfort and peace for you all.
Mrs. Martin-
You are in our heart and in our prayers during this time.
Nan and Cruz Sullins
Charlene and family you are in my prayers. I will miss Butch. I will miss his smiling face. He is no longer in any pain anymore. He is rejoicing, singing, and dancing with Jesus.
David and I were very saddened to hear of Butch’s passing. We enjoyed many special times with you both when the kids were little. My favorite memory of Butch was when we went to eat at the Japanese restaurant and the chef asked for names and Butch told him and he said “oh Japanese dog name” We all cracked up. Butch was a very special friend and he will be missed so much. Love to you all
I will miss seeing Butch smiling face at church and at the bus garage. He always was smiling and happy even through the tough times. We will truly miss him. I am very thankful to know that he is in Heaven watching over us. I can just see him now walking the streets of gold with the students who have gone on before him.
Charlene, we have you and your family in our prayers.
The times I met Butch, he was always joyful with a smile on his face! I know he’ll be missed dearly. Charlene, Lydia and Nathan I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I hope the wonderful memories you have will help you through this difficult time. Love and hugs to your family. ❤️
I’m so sorry. Will be praying for the family 🙏
Charlene, Sandra, and family I am so sorry to hear this news. Please know I hold you all close in prayer.
Many great memories of worshiping in song together at Malvern Hills Presbyterian Church. I look forward to joining together again in praise for an eternity before the Throne.
Deborah
It is with continuing love that I can recall such fun and happy times as Butch was within our home saying when the phone would ring “Tell my Mother I am not ready to come home.” My husband and I would just continue having good times with Butch and his siblings in various projects and/or games. As a very young boy he took great pleasure rolling crabapples from his yard into our yard which my husband would end up picking up and also throwing them back to Butch. His wonderful Mom is still a dear friend to me. Betty Cooper
Charlene, we are so sorry and will be praying for you and your family. We will always remember how sweet and kind you and Butch were to Daddy. John and Kathy
I am so saddened by your loss 💔
Although, you don’t know me – I feel as if I know you & Butch, as we seem to have several possible connections – They say “it’s a small world” 🌍
First, I am a friend of Malvern Hills Presbyterian Church and more specifically Jeanne, Keith & Daniel Carter….
Next, seeing that Butch was an Eagle Scout and because he was a graduate of Asheville High, and his age – I am guessing he may have been a scout in “Doc” Ledbetter’s troupe @ First Presbyterian. Dr. Ledbetter’s daughter Becky and I are very close friends.
Next I see that Charlene is a Steelman – a name that sounds so familiar. Was your dad a Presbyterian Minister and we’re your parents connected to First Presbyterian Church in any way?
Finally, I see that Butch was a bus driver for the Asheville City Schools Exceptional Children. I was a TSA on a Special Ed – short bus – at Glen Arden Elementary for a couple of years…
Anyway, I want you to know that I am praying for you and your family during your journey through grief…
So sorry to read of the passing of such a gentle, loving soul as Butch. He led the first zumba class that I attended at Emmanual Lutheran Church. He always had a smile and we loved to hear him sing the praise songs as he led the classes. He will truly be missed by everyone that came across his path – always with that huge smile. Prayers for comfort and peace to you and family during this time of loss.
We are mourning with you, I keep waiting for a text to come in, or a call saying he didn’t want to text, he wanted to just talk. That could mean laugh, joke, tease, or just talk. Butch was one of a kind, and my entire family is thankful that our lives are blessed because we knew him. Praying God’s peace and grace will hold you strong and the many memories of Butch will give you comfort. Love, Sue and Nelson Tripp
Charlene, we are lifting prayers for you and your family for comfort and strength. Butch was a special person–his musical ability, his humor, his faith and witness for God, his compassion and he was a true gentleman. The list is long. “Well done good and faithful servant” .
Love to you all,
Debbie and Don Ferguson
The service today was a lovely tribute to Butch. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to be there in person. He would have been extremely happy with the beautiful songs chosen to honor his life. A great man will be greatly missed by many.
Love, Carmen and Mike Murray
Butch was a big influence on my life during and after my walk to Emmaus. Wow what a powerful testimony of love and strength. He will be missed. May God bless you all during this tim of grief. Absolutely incredible service of remembrance.
The Neilson’s
Charlene and Family
We were saddened for you all to hear of Butch’s passing but thankful for his vibrant faith which is now sight in glory. We have not been in touch for a few years but have never forgotten you and all the good folks we knew from Malvern Hills Presbyterian Church. Butch made us very welcome when we first came there in the fall of 1994. Though we have all moved on in different directions Christ still connects us all. Butch was always a shining light in the choir as he sang from the heart and full of zeal. His passion for Jesus was truly an inspiration. Larry had the opportunity to serve with him on the RUF committee a few years back and once again to be blessed by his passion for Christ and the gospel. We watched the service on line this afternoon and were truly blessed by the genuine spirit of worship that was reflected in Butch’s life. Because Christ came, lived, died, rose again, ascended back to heaven and is coming again…this is not the end of the story. We will be praying for God’s comforting and strengthening grace for you all. Love, Larry and Bonnie Jones, Maggie Valley, NC
Dear Charlene, Nathan, and Lydia,
I just heard today of Butch’s passing and I am so sorry! I will always remember his puppet show for the children at Malverne Hills when I was teaching Sunday School. He was so fun! You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this trying time.
Jean
I really miss you buddy we had a lot of fun and great memories