Mark Crist

Mark Crist, 67, passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 14th, 2023, with his wife Kathy and loving family by his side in Bluffton, SC.

Mark was born in Charleston, WV, in 1956 to William and Mary Crist. He attended Marshall University and served in the Army National Guard for six years. Mark's commitment and strong work ethic led to numerous job opportunities nationwide. Mark enjoyed a 30-year career at Savannah River Site, where he was a construction engineer and then a contract manager.

Mark met his beautiful wife, Kathy, in Charleston, WV, and began their life in Aiken, SC, in 1985. They stood as partners in dreams, supporting each other in every endeavor, creating a bond that blossomed into a shared journey of love and mutual encouragement for 38 years.

Mark was an avid sportsman throughout his life, including snow skiing, water skiing, drag racing, and sport shooting. The call of the coast brought them to Bluffton, SC, where he found joy in casting lines, shrimping, and expertly navigating the waters as the best 'boat captain' one could ask for. Mark's outgoing personality and encouraging nature spurred countless new experiences and forged enduring bonds, creating cherished memories for everyone he touched.

Mark discovered a passion for golf in early retirement. His time on the course was more than just a pursuit of the game; it was a heartfelt endeavor. He became a member of the Rose Hill Men’s Golf Association, forming a network of friends who found joy in the sport and the simple pleasure of each other's company.

Mark wore the hats of a devoted son, a loving husband, a steadfast brother, and a caring uncle. Mark especially enjoyed serving as a father figure to his loving niece, Lori Crist. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Mark is preceded in death by his father, William H. Crist; mother, Mary E. Crist; brother, Michael H. Crist; nephew, John M. Joseph; niece, Christina M. Joseph; and paternal and maternal grandparents. Mark is survived by his wife, Kathy Crist; sister, Marsha Joseph and husband, Albert; sister, Mary A. Crist; brother, Matt Crist, and wife Rebecca; and sister, Michele Crist. Mark always held a special place in his heart for his nieces, nephews, and great nephews and nieces.

A Celebration of Life for his family and friends will be on Sunday, November 19th, at 2:00 PM at Colleton Point River House in Rose Hill Plantation,1 Pavilion Point Dr. Bluffton, SC 29910.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Waddell Mariculture Center, which provides scholarships for Marine Biology students to study along the coast of the SC Lowcountry. Please donate online here or send a check noting Waddell Mariculture Fund and Mark Crist memorial. Waddell Mariculture Center c/o Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, Post Office Box 23019, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925.

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