Mark O. Ellerbee

Mark O. Ellerbee age 71 of Tallahassee, Florida passed away Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Big Bend Hospice. He was a native of Tallahassee, a graduate of Leon High School class of 1960 and went on to earn a degree in Music from Florida State University in 1964. Mark was a Vietnam Veteran of the United States Army serving as a company medic. In 1959 Mark's music career started in Tallahassee with "The Casuals" now known as "Chaotic's". In 1969 he joined the "OakRidge Boys" as their drummer. He played with the OakRidge boys from 1969-1981 and returned to Tallahassee playing with various bands eventually rejoining the Chaotic's. He played with the Chaotic's until October, 2012. He retired from the State of Florida, Department of Disability Determination. He is predeceased by his parents Claude A and Emily Ellerbee of Tallahassee, son Eric Ellerbee and his nephew Fletcher M. Heins. He is survived by his wife of 23 years Hilda Crook, son Jason Ellerbee, Keystone Heights, Fl step son Brett (Susan) Crook of Plantation, Fl and grandson Ethan Crook, step daughter Buff Crook of Tallahassee, sister Rhonda E. Heins (Robert) of Melbourne Beach, Fl, nieces Tracy K. Heins of Destin Fl, Leslie A Heins of Baltimore MD, Meredith H. Jenkins (Russel)l and their children Alex and Aiden of Auburn, AL. A Celebration of Life will be held 3:00 P.M., Sunday, September 29th at the American Legion Post 13, Lake Ella. In lieu of flowers contributions to Leon County Animal Shelter would be appreciated.

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Published by Tallahassee Democrat on Sep. 24, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Ellerbee

62 Entries

Todd Shawgo

September 18, 2022

My condolences to his wife, family and friends. I am a fan of Mark and the ORB. I was 12 when I first saw Mark play. He is missed.

Becky Bledsoe

September 18, 2020

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. He was so nice every time I met him. prayers to family and friends . peace and love . fan of the orb since they switched from gospel to country

Kelsey Harlow

September 18, 2020

As the days and weeks pass, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Todd Shawgo

September 18, 2020

I saw you in the early 70's playing drums for The Oaks. I was a young boy, but I remember it well. I was a fan at that point, and remember you were a spark back there playing those drums. Hard to believe you're gone, and you're missed.

Richard Chase

March 25, 2014

Quiet, truthful, humorous, and most of all a great friend. I miss you Mark.

Doug Pratt

October 23, 2013

Mark's humor and positive spirit help us through Viet Nam. I am sure that same spirit touched others too. We will all miss him. We were medics in the same platoon

October 10, 2013

"Let nothing disturb you, nothing frighten you, all things are passing, God is unchanging. Patience gains all; nothing is lacking to those who have God: God alone is sufficient." (St. Teresa of Avila). My sympathy and prayers. Rosemary Anderman

George Parker

October 1, 2013

A good man with a good soul.

Cookie Barrett

September 30, 2013

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Rest in peace...
My deepest sympathy to the family.

Dolores Bush

September 29, 2013

I knew Mark from working at the disability office. During the war with Iraq my son was there as a hospital corpsman and when mark found out he was always enquiring about my son. He was such a giving and genuine person. I was so appreciative of his support . He will be so missed. My sympathies go out to all his family.

Becky Hurlbut

September 29, 2013

Mark was a co=worker and a neighbor. He was always funny but calming. He made everyone feel good when around him. Our prayer to Hilda and family.

Michael Payne

September 28, 2013

I am very sorry for your loss and was sad to hear about Mark's passing. I worked with him at Florida Commerce Credit Union, and our desks were about 10 feet apart. Needless to say, I have great memories of an intelligent, kind, hilarious and good man. Our loss is Heaven's gain, to be sure.

Cindy Fix

September 28, 2013

So sorry for your loss. Mark was a wonderful friend he will be missed.

Judy Courson Steele

September 28, 2013

Mark was a great guy. He was one of my
brothers best friends in high school and
hung around our house a lot. He was a lot of fun and a great friend. May God give your family peace and love during your grieving, Judy Courson Steele

Mark and me with Jason and Eric at Rockland Road - studio and office of the Oak Ridge Boys. The wall was painted for the Oak's Band album cover.

Teri Rehkopf

September 27, 2013

I missed the signing of the entry I posted with the pic of Mark for Oak Ridge Boys, so I just want to say he was a wonderful, intelligent, funny, kind man; a great father to Jason and Eric (deceased in 1988. We had a great 10 year marriage and I am so glad he found Hilda for the rest of his life. She was so good for him. He loved her very much. Jason and I miss him so much. I'm going to post a pic of him, me and the kids at Rockland Road where they recorded at the Oaks studio/office. So, if you see a post of him with no entry, that is from me.

Mark's pic for Oak Ridge Boys. In his Porche hat I had bought him at Kmart that got stolen when he was in Montreaux jamming with (I think) Ben E. King

Teri (Ellerbee) Rehkopf

September 27, 2013

Kay Ellerbee Darsey

September 27, 2013

We are saddened to hear that our cousin Mark has passed away. We are very proud of all his accomplishments and thrilled that he was able to carry on the family's love of music. This note is from all his family of cousins in Thomaston, Ga.

Becky Bledsoe

September 26, 2013

my sympathy to mark's family. I have been a fan of the Oak Ridge Boys since they switched from gospel to country.My mom passed two weeks ago. god bless your family. my thoughts and prayers go out to your family.It was great getting to meet you.peace and love. will light a candle for you.

Joie Grant

September 26, 2013

Mark is going to be missed, we have good memories of a kind, talented man! He's in a better place, pain free and watching us from above!

June Forrester Ingram

September 26, 2013

Jerry and I are saddened by your loss. I never met him bit heard great things about him. You are in our prayers, love you

Helen Lenaerts

September 26, 2013

My deep sympathies to the Ellerbee and Crook family for the loss of such a lovely man.

Glenn Roberts

September 25, 2013

Condolences to the family. While I didn't know Mark personally, I still enjoy listening to Oak Ridge Boys albums to which he made important contributions. These albums will now take on a more special meaning.

Kelsey Harlow

September 25, 2013

It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.

September 25, 2013

So sorry to hear about Mark. He was a wonderful person, had a great smile and a little mischief in his eyes. when you needed help with a cases, he was there to answer your questions. He will be missed.

Rick Smith

September 25, 2013

I was very sad to hear this. I always enjoyed talking about music and drumming with Mark. Best wishes to you and your familly in this difficult time of loss.

September 25, 2013

Hilda...Bob & I were so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob & Judy Jordan

September 25, 2013

RIP Mark. So sorry Hilda. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love You, Sue

September 25, 2013

love you hil, i know right now it is impossible but just remember the gang is here for you when you need us so sorry for your lose he was a very gentle soul he will be missed. lol judy leonard

September 25, 2013

Memories of you putting the beat to the music and memories of a good friend. You'll be missed. May God bless and comfort your family, RIP.

Zach Cobb

September 25, 2013

One of the best parts of my growing up is gone. My best wishes to his family.

Terry Bratton

September 24, 2013

Deepest sympathy to the family of Mark Ellerbee. I knew Mark for years while with the Oak Ridge Boys. His talent during those years was remarkable and his memories of those days will live with me for the rest of my life. Rest now, Mark!

Mary Kennett

September 24, 2013

May the Love and Comfort of Jesus surround you at this difficult time..GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU...R.I.P. Mark...Safe in the Arms of the Angels,,,,,,

September 24, 2013

My thoughts are with you, Hilda....I know how you will miss him. Cindy VanDusen, Coconut Creek, Florida

Judy Boyer

September 24, 2013

I had the pleasure of working with Mark.....every memory I have of him brings an instant smile to my face. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Tammy Arnold

September 24, 2013

Mark was truly a person that would brighten your day. I had the pleasure of working with him at Florida Commerce Credit Union (now First Commerce Credit Union). He always had a joke to tell which would leave you with smile. May your days ahead be filled with peace, love and comfort. God bless you.

Jennifer Finlen Driscoll

September 24, 2013

Buff I am sorry to hear about the loss of your step dad! May your heart and soul be filled with great memories of him. Celebrate him everyday with the blessings he left with you. Hugs to you and your family as you are in my thoughts and prayers!

Debi

September 24, 2013

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mark was a special man. He was not only multi-talented but also a funny, caring, sweet man. He will be missed.

Bill Cook

September 24, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Mysti Joye

September 24, 2013

What a wonderful man who touched so many lives with his music and kindness. Thomasville remembers Mark with love.

Kym Ryals

September 24, 2013

Buff my prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Kym Ryals

Deborah Laws

September 24, 2013

*respect* R.I.P., Sir.

Carolyn Fountain

September 24, 2013

I had the pleasure of supervising Mark for many years at Disability. He sure as Hell wasn't one to complain. Always came in with a smile - seemed like he could keep it there all day. He was the kind of man that said Good Morning and meant it - whether it was or not. Tell you the truth I can't think of a more gentler soul than Mark. Lord, you got yourself a good man...but somehow I think you already knew that. RIP Mark. Much love to Hilda and the Kids.

Lorie Schroeder

September 24, 2013

I knew Mark from The Mighty Oaks Band...when he played drums.Thoughts and prayers re with the family and friends as they prepare to say their final earthly goodbyes.......

Susan Madden

September 24, 2013

So sorry for your overwhelming loss. I was a fan of the oaks and the band and followed them for many years. Mark was talented and special.

Todd Shawgo

September 24, 2013

My condolences to the family. So sorry to hear of Marks passing. I'm just a fan and was fortunate to have heard Mark play with The Oaks. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Bobby Jett

September 24, 2013

One of my local musical heroes, and Mark was always very kind and encouraging to me. Never heard any one that worked with him say an unkind thing about him. A very talented, and special gentleman. My prayers for comfort for the family during this time of mourning.

Dennis Wiggins

September 24, 2013

Mark, you brought much happiness to me as a member of the Oak Ridge Boys. Your music will live on. RIP, Mark Ellerbee, your journey is done.

Jerry Browning

September 24, 2013

Sympathy to the family of Mark. I had the pleasure to know Mark From his days with the Oaks. He was a super nice guy. He will be missed.My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Early Morning

September 24, 2013

Mark is a special part of my memories of working at the NYTimes delivery warehouse.

Dianne Barber

September 24, 2013

Hilda and family, Mark was truly one of those SPECIAL people!!!!! He could turn your worst day into a smile!!!! Everyone that met him loved him and now heaven has gained another angel! I know there is a grand reunion going on as we speak. I pray your memories give you comfort, I know mine certainly will!!!

September 24, 2013

We are so sorry for Hilda and Buff's loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you.

John Roberts

September 24, 2013

Heaven is a better place now that Mark is there. A man who dearly loved his wife and family, I never heard him utter a discouraging word. His chair is now empty and we will all miss him very much. We take consolation knowing that he suffers no more and is Resting in Peace.

Salina Roe

September 24, 2013

Mark was an inspiration to many. He will be missed. I had the pleasure of working with him at Florida Commerce CU now First Commerce. I can see Mark jamming with the the angels above. God Bless those you left behind.

Pamela Parker

September 24, 2013

Please take comfort in knowing you have a special person watching over you now. He could always make us laugh when things got tough at work. May God bless and be with you during this sorrowful time.

Rick Smith

September 24, 2013

To the Ellerbee and Crook Families,

I am just one of many that was blessed to have to known Mark during his time with the Oak Ridge Boys. A kind and gentle soul with the ability to make everyone feel like a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

Alan Dixon

September 24, 2013

Worked with Mark at Florida Commerce CU. He was a hoot!

Doc Carr

September 24, 2013

Much Peace and Many Blessings for the Ellerbee Family.

Penelope Christie Bowdren

September 24, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the
family! Mark was a dear friend
at Leon! To know Mark was to
love him!

September 24, 2013

Rest in peace Mark.
ervin beagles

Carol Midler

September 23, 2013

What a special person you were. You made the world a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends who are mourning the empty place you have left in their hearts and minds. I hope all will focus on the treasured memories they have of you to help them in their healing process.

I will miss you and remember you always.

Richard Chase

September 23, 2013

I'm truly going to miss a fellow Leon High, 1960 graduate, a great musician and a kindred soul.

Mark, June 2011, at our class lunch.

Annette Hannon Lee

September 23, 2013

Hilda and family, Mark was loved and admired by his many alumni classmates in the Leon High Class of 1960. Numerous messages of concern and sympathy have been exchanged via e-mail and on our class Facebook page for the past couple of weeks -- all concerning Mark. We will miss him greatly, especially at our class get-togethers, because he was a friend to all of us and always made us smile -- or laugh.
With deepest sympathy,

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