Obituary

Mark, a dear husband, father, son, brother, uncle and true man of God went home to be with the Lord on July 17, 2007. Mark was born in Buffalo, N.Y., to Major Stewart and Miriam Stiling as the fourth of five children in a military family, living in several places until high school graduation. A decision he made for Christ at a young age set the direction and plan for his life. He earned a BS in Pharmacy at MUSC and after a few years working in pharmacy, he followed his father and grandfather as a career military officer. He served on active duty for 12 years with the U.S. Army as a pharmacy officer, Ass't Director and Director of Pharmacy Services. During this time he met his wife, Valarie and together they returned to MUSC, where Mark earned his Doctorate in Pharmacy. His total service, active and reserve duty, was 29 years. His last assignment, after achieving the rank of Colonel, was the 3297th U.S. Army Hospital Detachment Commander in the U.S. Army Reserves. His current employment was a Regional Manager, Medical Affairs with Allergan Labs.

While Mark loved the military and his pharmacy career, his greatest joy came from being a husband to Valarie for 21 years and as a father to sons, Kirkland Buist, Max, Cody and Jacob and his daughter, Kassie, all of whom survive him. In addition to his immediate family he is also survived by his parents, sisters, Joanne Henry, Suzanne Brookshire, Kim Baldwin and brother, Ben Stiling. An extended family of sisters and brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces and cousins survive him as well.

Mark was very active in his church and used his spiritual gift to teach others about God's Word. A memorial service to celebrate his life will take place at Harvest Baptist Church, 153 Miller Pond Road, Rock Hill at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 21, 2007. The family will greet friends in the fellowship hall following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church.
Whitesell Funeral Home is serving the family.