Eugene "Gene" Mark

Eugene "Gene" Mark, age 75, a resident of Spring City, Tennessee, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2026. He was born in Islip, New York, but grew up in the Fountain City area of Knoxville, Tennessee. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and so much more. Among many of his motorcycle friends, he was often known as “PapaGene” or “GoldwingPapa”.

Gene was a veteran who spent time in both the United States Coast Guard and retired from the United States Army. The military was something he loved and enjoyed his time with family exploring Europe while stationed in Germany and Belgium. Other careers he had were driving trucks, IT work for Canon USA, and as an IT contractor/government civilian at Fort Belvoir in the Washington, DC, area.

Gene was a people person and quick to make friends with everyone he met. He was loved for how he was able to put everyone at ease with his smile and generosity. Be it chatting with people on motorcycle rides or telling stories to his friends in the "PPC" neighborhood, people loved having him around. His cheesecakes, pies, and cookies, which were often requested or sought after, were always appreciated and enjoyed, which didn't hurt either.

Riding his Goldwing, taking the boat out, baking, or traveling in general were things he always loved, but nothing like how he loved his family, especially his wife of almost 55 years, Patricia, whom he loved with all his heart.

He is preceded in death by his parents. Roland and Dorothy Mark; sister, Shirley Cox; brother, Ed Mark; granddaughter, Ashley Mark; and son-in-law, Dallas Surber Sr.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Mark; son, Geoffrey Mark; daughter, Jaime Mark Surber; grandchildren, Kayla Surber Driggers (Ashley), Dallas Surber Jr., and Jacob Surber; brothers, Robert Mark (Linda) and George Mark (Jeanie); sisters, Marie Stooksbury (James) and Patty Mark; 8 great grandchildren; and countless other extended family members and friends.

The family will receive friends Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 12:00 noon (E.D.T.) until 1:30 p.m. (E.D.T.) at the Evans Mortuary. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. from the Chapel of Evans Mortuary. Evans Mortuary of Rockwood, Tennessee is honored to serve the family of Eugene “Gene” Mark.