Two men who died in a motorcycle accident south of Martin Oct. 12 are being remembered as people who wouldn’t want sadness to be their legacy.
On Facebook, in conversations and at their respective services, UTM student Logan Hughes, 23, of Newbern and Opera House restaurant manager Daniel Fitzgerald, 46, of Sharon have been memorialized as men who believed in laughter and love for others.
Hughes, a senior Computer Science major and member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, “was the kindest person I ever met,” said Amanda Caudle, a Communications senior from Memphis.
“We love and miss Logan more than we can say, but we’re trying to celebrate his life rather than focus on his death,” Caudle said. “He was an amazing person and he wouldn’t want us to be sad.”
Caudle’s sentiments echo in numerous posts.
“Nights like tonight are not fun but they are here to remind you of how strong a brotherhood we truly have. Seeing old faces and welcoming the new faces without missing a single step. Phi Alpha Logan Hughes Chapter Eternal has earned a True Gentleman with open arms. Proud brother of Sigma-Alpha Epsilon-Fraternity,” said alumnus Stephen Shopher.
Nikki Byrd Cunningham, an alumna, posted: “I held my husband a little tighter tonight; we both knew it would be hard to sleep. I woke with a heavy heart and memories of Logan on my mind. I’m so blessed to have my husband and daughter so close to me right now as I am hurting for the family and loved ones of Logan Hughes and all of the brothers of SAE. You guys are awesome and Logan was a shining example of that.”
A memorial video of Hughes, who also was a server at the Opera House, may be seen on YouTube by typing in “In Loving Memory of Logan Dale Hughes” in the search bar. Written underneath the video are words that embrace the thoughts and feelings of those who knew him:
“Logan was not only an amazing son and brother, but a beloved fraternity brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at the TN Tau chapter at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Logan could brighten the mood of any room he was in, despite any circumstances. … Rest in peace, brother. You will always be missed and loved forever.”
At the public memorial for Fitzgerald, held Oct. 19 at the Opera House, tears and laughter flowed freely among the crowd.
“Daniel told me that I needed lipstick on the second day I was working here. He got me to do what my mother had been trying to get me to do for 18 years,” said Erica Glisson, one of the Opera House servers who took turns telling their memories of Fitzgerald during the private memorial that followed the public visit.
“We have truly lost a great person and friend of Martin,” said Dr. Joe Adcock, who with his wife, Edith, owns the Opera House and The Stables in downtown Martin.
“Daniel was much more than an employee. He and my daughter, Olivia, envisioned the revitalization of Martin and believed the Opera House would begin the rebirth of historic downtown Martin. He worked tirelessly toward that goal.
“Daniel was not only a boss to his staff but their friend, confidant and psychologist. He will be missed by all of Martin,” Adcock said.
Fitzgerald also was remembered on the Historic Martin Facebook page as a man who worked tirelessly for downtown Martin even though he was not a business owner.
“He loved the community. He supported the community. He gave back to the community. He loved people. And he gave to people. With a smile and a helping hand. Daniel Fitzgerald was a leader in Martin’s Historic Business District for the past several years and, with his death, the community loses a businessman like no other.
The energy and passion that he had for downtown … cannot be duplicated. Always with a smile on his face, he promoted growth and progress with a never-ending determination.
He’s gone in one way – but he’s still with us … tapping us on the shoulder and giving us his look, telling us to do … and do with a smile.”
Anyone who would like to contribute in Fitzgerald’s memory may donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where an account in Fitzgerald’s name has already been established.
Thank you for the lovely article. I knew Logan since we were 7 and pledges together. He was such a great person. We still think about him daily and get strength from God that he is ok where he is at. Please keep his family, friends, girlfriend, and brothers in your prayers.
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