Anthony Wayne Martinez

Anthony Wayne Martinez (Tony) was born in Asheville, NC, Wednesday, February 19, 1958, and died at age 67, Sunday, March 2, 2025. He suffered a sudden and fatal heart attack, leaving family and friends grieving, but comforted to know he will be with our Lord forever.

His mother, Jayne Gibbs Moore, and his father, Pedro Martinez, Jr., predeceased his own death. Tony leaves a sister and a brother. His older sister Kada Martinez Cross, with her husband Stewart C. Cross, provided Tony with two beloved nephews, Raleigh Gray and Merit Kayne. Later, through the love of his younger brother Rudy Lee Martinez with his wife Caroline Keutel Martinez, two additional nephews, Grant Lee and Gavin Lee, added to his joy.

Beyond these closest family members, Tony is survived by many cousins and two aunts. And he will also be especially missed by his brother-friend Steve Shelton. Tony would also take pleasure to introduce his best pet-friends: mini dachshunds, Hudson and Hazey, left to the loving care of Steve.

For most of his early life, Tony was raised in Beaumont, Texas. As a teen, he moved with his family to Weaverville, NC, attending North Buncombe High, where he played for the school baseball team. After graduation, Tony soon returned to Texas to hone his trade as a carpenter, avidly windsurfing in his off-time. A number of years later, he moved back to NC, and established his own carpentry business, TM Construction, where he had continued for the last 35 years. His meticulous craftsmanship was widely sought after, whether building homes or producing fine furniture.

Tony's quiet nature and tenderheart will be fondly remembered along with his strong commitment to God and church. Tony did not have the distinction of being the first grandchild. But of the 18 grandchildren with which Rudolph and Ada (Dad-do and Mama Ada) Gibbs were blessed, he has become the first to greet our Savior face-to-face!

To our dear Tony, we lend farewell… until we meet again…

West Funeral Home of Weaverville will be arranging Graveside Services that may be attended at Lewis Memorial Park, 415 Beaverdam Rd., Asheville, NC. The time will be 11 AM, Friday, March 7, 2025.

Should one wish to offer flowers, their beauty would be greatly appreciated; or if preferred, a donation to the Asheville Humane Society would also be very welcome.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving the Martinez family. Condolences may be offered to the family under his obituary at www.westfamilyfuneralservices.com.