Neil Richard Martin, 57, of Statesville, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on December 9, 2025, at Atrium Wake Forest Medical Center in Forsyth County, N.C., surrounded by his loving family.

Neil was born on July 4, 1968, in Springfield, Mass., to Sharon Malo Martin and Daniel Neil Martin. He was a graduate of North Iredell High School in Olin, N.C., and earned his bachelor’s degree in Bible studies at East Coast Bible College. Neil’s biggest passion was his missionary called Brother in Christ. (BIC Missionary). He was able to visit Uganda, where he formed many friendships and fellowship. He had a heart of gold and genuinely kind spirit.

Throughout Neil’s life, he loved spending time with his family and friends, always loved a good joke, even the silly ones, and often told many himself. With his birthday being on the 4th of July, he would provide a spectacular fireworks display for his family and friends every year. You could often find Neil taking trips in his power chair in or around town to see what was going on.

In addition to his mother (who was also his caretaker), and father, he is survived by three sisters, Shelly Martin (Neil), Jackie Martin (Todd), and Jill Martin; and his nephews, Dillon Kerley, Matthew Kerley, and Wesley Lytton, and his niece, Evelyn Lowe; and great nephew, Elijah Kerley, all of Statesville, N.C.; special friend, Ray Smith, and his much-loved Shih tzu, Lexi. He is also survived by a large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins, and numerous friends he loved from all over the world.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family would like to give thanks to the medical team of Wake Forest Medical Center for their care, to all the family and friends who have reached out to support and express their sympathy, and to Neil’s friends overseas who loved him like their own brother. Neil was one of a kind, loved everyone as they are, and always put others before himself.

Cavin Cook Funeral Home of Mooresville will be serving the family.