ROCKY MOUNT - Christopher (Chris) Allen Marks, age 69, passed away on Monday, July 25, 2016 after a courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on November 4, 1946, he was the son of the late Shuford Blankenship Marks and Margaret Lucille Young Marks.
Chris was a graduate of Rocky Mount Senior High and Atlantic Christian College where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He also held an accounting degree from North Carolina State University. Chris began work in 1969 at the State Auditors Office then worked as Comptroller of the Administrative Office of the Courts until 1999. He finished his working career at Legal Aid of NC, Inc. as Vice President for Finance and Administration. Chris received the honor of being a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Governor Jim Hunt for his dedication to the State of North Carolina. He was a very busy man but his family always came first.
Chris was a loving husband, devoted father and special grandfather (“PaPa” to his grandchildren) and will be dearly missed. Life with Chris was never boring and was always a great adventure. His love of sports, boating, golfing, fishing, and camping were all purposely centered around spending time with family. Chris was also a man of faith; a devoted member of Englewood United Methodist Church and active participant in Sunday Seekers, he truly loved the Lord.
Chris is survived by his best friend and wife of 47 years, Linda Bryan Marks; two sons, Gregory (Greg) Tate Marks and wife, Savannah, of Alexandria, VA and Andrew (Drew) Bradley Marks and wife, Meg, of Arlington, VA. He is survived by three grandchildren, Katherine (Kate) Ray Marks, Madeline (Maddie) Tate Marks, and Christopher McCallum (Mac) Marks; brother, Shuford (Sonny) Blankenship Marks Jr. and wife, Posey, of Tierra Verde, FL, their daughter, Meg Milligan
and her daughter, Mimi Milligan; and sister, Charlotte Marks Bunch and husband, Gerald, of Greenville, NC. Chris is also survived by his sisters-in-law, whom he called his sisters, Judy Mauney and husband, Marshall; Claudia Moore and late husband, Alan; and Phyllis Griffin and husband, Johnny, and their loving daughters and families. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Molly.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 29, 2016 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services with Rev. Terry Williams and Dr. Chet Rains officiating. Visitation and a reception with the family will be immediately following the service in the Veranda at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 304, Chicago, IL, 60611-3201. If individuals would like to make donations via phone or email, they may call (888) 733-6741 or visit the online donation page at http://pulmonaryfibrosis.donorpages.com/Tribute/ChrisMarks.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Friday 7/29, 3:00 pm
Service
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Friday 7/29, 2:00 pm
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
My deepest sympathy to all the family. Chris was such a nice man and will be missed by many.
To the family of Chris Marks, you have my sincere prayers of comfort during your time of loss. Kathy Harris, Legal Aid Client Council and Board Member.
Chris Marks, Sigma Phi Epsilon Brother from Atlantic Christian College. RIP Brother, may God bless you always. Love always. Lin Breece
I was so sadden to hear of the loss of Chris but know that he is my brother in Christ and great things are being revealed to him because of his faith in Him. I’ve learned a lot from Chris and his sharing in my BSF group and I will ever be thankful for what he shared with me in my own walk in Christ. Until the day we all meet again, rest easy my friend. My condolences to the Marks family and those closest to him.
Linda and Family, My sincere deepest sympathy to you and the family. Chris was always kind and friendly to me. I know that Chris is free from all his breathing issues and is in the presence of our Lord and Savior. I bet Ms. Bradley was standing at the gates just waiting for him and talked his ears off ) Sending you all prayers of peace and comfort. Lou Carson
Linda & family We are so very sorry to hear about Chris’ passing. The few years we were neighbors were made dear by the presence of Chris. He was a kind, gentle & humorous man who made everyone a friend. Please know we will be thinking of you and lifting prayers for your family. We live in Bethel now. [emailprotected] With love Amanda and Tim & family
Lit a candle in memory of Christopher (Chris) Allen Marks
Lit a candle in memory of Christopher (Chris) Allen Marks
Sonny and Posey, I am so saddened about the news of your brother’s illness and death. Just know I am thinking of all of you. I would be there except I just had a foot operation. My day of freedom is a week away.
Dear Linda and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Chris’s passing and send our deepest condolences. We have very fond memories of getting to know you during Julia and Drew’s high school years, and loved sharing all those fun times with you and the kids. This is much too soon, and we are very sad for your terrible loss. Know that you are all in my prayers. Sincerely yours, Louise Dolan and family
I worked in the business office at NC Division of Blind Services for 6-7 months in 1973-74 and during much of that time, Chris and two other guys from the state auditor’s office were temporarily in residence going over our files, records, etc. Although I hadn’t seen Chris in many years, I remember him well for his many humorous comments always delivered with a deadpan expression on his face. It was a jolt to see his photo and obituary in the paper this morning. I had no idea he’d worked with Administrative Office of the Courts; he very likely knew my late father who worked as a staff attorney there until the mid-1990’s. I send sincere sympathy and condolences to Chris’s family and friends. I’m sure he’s left you with many memories of good times. Cheryl Hall Raleigh, NC
Beautiful family and tribute to Chris. He was so special to Bennett and me. I will miss him and know he and Bennett are together again.
Chris was my colleague during my time at the AOC in 1993-1995. We shared many hours at the legislative building budget meetings. Chris was a great colleague–smart, hard-working, fun to share time with. I know all the family misses him greatly. I was able to make the memorial service today but had to leave before the reception. It was a lovely service and it was nice to learn more about the other sides of Chris’s life. I hope your grief is tempered by the memories of a life well lived. Jim Drennan
I just recently learned of Chris’ passing and wanted to say how sorry I was to learn of it. It had been years since I had seen Chris but what always stood out about Chris was his love for his family. The video tribute was wonderfully done and truly reflected his love for his beautiful family. Linda, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers and hopefully we can reconnect in the near future. Take Care….. Lou Rhodes (from Raleigh)