Dr. John Michael Martin

WADESBORO – On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, Dr. John Michael Martin, 76, passed away peacefully at his sister’s home in Fayetteville, NC.

Funeral services will be at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Brown Creek Baptist Church, 4210 NC 742 N, Wadesboro, NC.

The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

John was born in Wadesboro, NC on February 27, 1948, to Flora and Henry Martin. He graduated from Anson High School in Wadesboro. After graduating from Anson High, he attended Wingate College in Wingate, NC where he earned an associate degree. From there, he transitioned to NC State University in Raleigh to earn a BS Degree followed by a Master's Degree in Animal Science. Realizing that he really liked school, he applied to Ohio State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine in Columbus (one of only 4 veterinary schools in the country accepting students from NC.  The state of NC lacked its own veterinary school at that time). He and one other student were selected to attend Ohio State out of many applicants from NC. After receiving his DVM from Ohio State, John and a colleague started a small veterinary practice in Wisconsin. However, John (now feeling he was a professional student more than anything else) decided he needed more education. He was accepted at the University of Florida Veterinary School in Gainesville in a residency program to become a specialist in horse reproduction (technically called a “theriogenologist”).

After completing his specialty, John started large and small animal veterinary clinics in Maiden, NC where he practiced for several years before deciding that his love was truly with horses. He sold the small animal clinic to concentrate solely on horses. He became quite well-known for his expertise.

Finally, upon retirement, John continued to practice part-time at his former small animal clinic but his interests shifted to art, traveling, hiking, and gardening. He made numerous trips to Perugia, Italy where he met some very special friends. Italy was absolutely his favorite place to travel.

He is survived by his mother, Flora Mae Martin of Wadesboro, NC, his sister, Wanda Caruso (Fred) of Fayetteville, NC, his brother, Kenneth David Martin (Jan) of Marietta, GA, and a dear friend, Maria Cristina Giugliarelli of Perugia, Italy as well as numerous nephews and nieces. His father, Henry Martin, predeceased him.

John’s family is grateful to all who helped including the staff at Duke University Medical Center during his long illness.

The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com.