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Mark McCloud, 58, a caring brother, brother-in-law, son, uncle and friend, passed away Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, peacefully in his sleep. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life with humor and a smile.
Mark was born Dec. 11, 1964, to Emma and Harold McCloud in Baudette, Minnesota, the youngest of nine siblings. The family moved to Sharpsburg, where he spent the majority of his childhood. Mark resided in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, for many years, where he worked in the restaurant business and in construction. He was a skilled carpenter and took great pride in his work.
From his restaurant experience, he developed a great love of cooking. More than anything, he loved to cook for a large crowd of people, friends, family and church. He took great pride in serving the most tender beef brisket and the best BBQ chicken and dishing up decadent sides to go with them. To Mark, food was love, and he had great satisfaction seeing everyone gather together in fellowship and eat.
He often shared patriotic and religious songs with friends and family, feeling every word of the song as he sang along. He could never turn his back on any homeless animal and there was “never a stray Mark didn’t love.” His home was often full to the brim with dogs, cats and even people he rescued along the way.
Mark was a member of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Mark is survived by his mother, Emma McCloud of Creston; siblings: Belinda Lindley (Kevin) of Creston, Sherry Newport (Lee) of Grand Island, Nebraska, Jeff McCloud (Judy) of St. Joseph, Missouri, Patty Mottin (Ken) of Grand Island, Nebraska, Kitty Peterman (Randy) of Gravity, Sandra Donaldson (Jere Ferguson) of Lenox and Greg McCloud (Belinda) of Sherman, Texas; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Mark was preceded in death by his beloved dog, Gunshot; father, Harold McCloud; sister, Cynthia McCloud; nephew, Clinton McCloud and brother-in-law, John Donaldson. A small memorial service will be held Oct. 21 at the Church of God, a Worldwide Association, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He will be greatly missed by all.