Stephen Mark Crockett

Stephen “Mark” Crockett, age 62, of Mebane, North Carolina, master chef of tall tales and taller casseroles, left us on April 21, 2024, to likely argue about college football with the angels. Mark passed away from complications of a long-standing illness.

Mark is survived by his wife of 39 years, Christine “Chris” Crockett of Mebane, who has patiently listened to every story twice. His legacy of laughter lives on through his son, Stephen (Emily) of Cary, NC, and his daughter, Haley (Davis) of Raleigh, NC. He also leaves behind his loving mother, Judy, of Opelika, AL, sister Kathy, brother Allen, and brother-in-law Buzz, all of whom will miss his impromptu BBQs and unexpected history lessons on sports. Numerous nieces, nephews, and a garden of tomatoes also survive him. Preceding him in passing was his father, Charles E. Crockett, who likely had a hand in designing the pearly gates to keep Mark from sneaking out to catch (and bet on) the big game.

A proud Auburn Tigers fan, Mark spent many game days at The Shedd with friends, where he was known for his strategic use of the remote and an uncanny ability to correctly predict plays (unless he was wrong, but those plays were obviously changed at the line). His love for gardening was only rivaled by love for cooking, often claiming he could “feed an army” with this famous Brunswick stew, which, to his credit, was never the same twice.

Mark’s green thumb meant he could grow anything, except, perhaps, a quiet moment. He was famous for his “Mark” stories, so much so that his friends gifted him a T-shirt proclaiming, “I make stuff up,” which he wore as a badge of honor.

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held at a later date where stories will be told (and likely embellished), dishes will be shared, and everyone will be left wondering if the fish really were that big. In lieu of flowers, please bring a side dish or a funny story about Mark.

Cheers, and War Eagle! May his tales grow taller and his tomatoes redder wherever he may roam.

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