Mark Joseph Gormley passed away peacefully on September 15, 2016 at his home in Rocky Top (Lake City), TN. He was a much beloved husband, father, singer, song writer, guitar player, horse whisperer, sportsman, professional airplane model builder and pilot. Mark was born in Rapid City, South Dakota on December 25, 1959. Growing up in an Air Force family, he saw and experienced much of the world. He tried his luck in California to see if "rock legend" was his calling and as it turned out God had other plans for him. Not long after returning from California, he was diagnosed with colon cancer. That set in motion a 20 year struggle to defeat this dreaded disease. Over the next 20 years he had 6 further operations and with God's blessing and guidance, beat the odds that were stacked against him. In ensuing years, he managed to complete his pilot training and went to work as a flight instructor; following which he was employed by USAir, where he rose through the ranks to become a captain. In 2003, he was blessed to fly DC8's and MD11's for UPS around the globe. During this time he met and married Kelley McCreight Gormley of Oak Ridge, TN (Ridge Greenhouse and Florist) in 2005. They subsequently settled in Lake City, TN, and were blessed with two wonderful children, Abby and JT, the joys of his life. In 2014 he exercised his right to disability retirement and spent his remaining years with his family. His belief in the healing powers of Jesus and the guidance that it gave to his life was a testimony. Those that knew him will never forget his parting message to those he loved was..
"Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there. I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there. I did not die."
Mark is survived by his family:
Wife Kelley Gormley
Children. Abbygail and James ( J.T.) Gormley
Mother. Mrs. James Gormley of Niceville, FL
Brother Mike Gormley of Montgomery, AL
The family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 pm with the funeral following at 3 pm, Sunday, September 18th at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton with Rev. Tony McAfee officiating. His graveside will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
Memorials can be made in Mark's honor to Citizens National Bank 21 Jefferson Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 (865) 482-2262, in accounts that are set up for his children Abbygail and James (J.T.) Gormley
The family invites everyone to join them for food and fellowship at the Old Towne Inn in Oak Ridge TN following the graveside service.
Holley-Gamble in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
www.holleygamble.com