Marcus Alton Garriss, Jr. of Roanoke Rapids passed away on May 30th, 2022, with his family at his bedside.
“Mark” was born on February 8th, 1942, in Halifax County.
He was a 1960 graduate of Weldon High School and also a graduate of East Carolina College (Now East Carolina University) and received a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Art. He worked alongside his father, Dr. Marcus Alton Garriss, in the lab at Garriss Dental Office for many years.
Thereafter, he entered a career with the North Carolina Department of Probation and Parole, where he ultimately retired.
He was a member of Rosemary United Methodist Church.
He served over 27 years of military service between NC Army National Guard, (Old Hickory) CO D (-) 119th Infantry(M) and Virginia Army Reserves, 301st SIG CO.
Mark represented the state on the NC National Guard M14 and M16 Rifle Team, as both a member and a coach, where he received honors.
He was a 32nd degree Master Mason of Lodge Royal White Hart No. 2 and EMERA Chapter 119 Order of the Eastern Star.
He had a passion for the outdoors, as he enjoyed hunting, fishing or just “piddling” as he would say, at his farm.
He enjoyed the fellowship of his friends, over a game of cards and he also greatly enjoyed riflery, gunsmithing as well as relic hunting. Mark is remembered for his kind, gentle spirit and nature and his love of God, his family and his country.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Marcus Alton Garriss and Lottie Carawan Garriss.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Suzanne Ogletree Garriss, his son, Marcus Alton Garriss, III (Michelle), his daughter, Melissa Garriss Clements (Brent), his sister, Barbara Garriss Jones (Ernest), his grandchildren, Jarret Williamson, Colin Clements, Maecy Garriss and Mark Jones (Atalee), his brothers in law, Charles W. Ogletree (Midge), John N. Ogletree (Kristie), and many nieces and nephews.
A reception for friends will be Monday June 6, 2022, in the Rosemary United Methodist Church fellowship hall at 10:00 a.m.
A memorial service immediately following the receiving of friends will take place in the Rosemary United Methodist sanctuary at 11:00 a.m.
A family graveside service honoring Marcus will take place at Weldon Cemetery following the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of the following:
Rosemary United Methodist Church, 900 Jackson Street, RR, NC 27870
RRHS Hunter Safety Skills Team, 1012 West 7th Street, RR, NC 27870
Halifax Academy, 1400 3 Bridges Road, RR, NC 27870 Memo: Shooting Team