Chris C. Markland

Christopher Carroll Markland, known affectionately as Chris, was welcomed into the kingdom of Heaven on August 26, 2025, at the age of 66. Born on June 6, 1959, in Baltimore, MD, Chris lived a life marked by selflessness, faith, and courage until his peaceful passing in Linwood, NJ due to natural causes.
Chris is predeceased by this beloved mother, the late Mary Imogene Arrowwood as well as his stepfather, the late Clifford Arbogast, and his father Arville Woodward Markland. He was the cherished grandson of the late William and Lillie Arrowwood.
Throughout his life, Chris' unwavering Christian faith was a testament to the strong family foundation laid down by his forebears. Blessed with a natural talent for culinary arts, Chris pursued his passion with vigor, obtaining an Associate's Degree from Johnson and Wales University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. His impressive career as a chef included a memorable one-day internship at the White House, another at the esteemed Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia, and esteemed positions at the Plaza Hotel and Four Seasons in New York City, and the Marriott Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia. His culinary journey also took him to Meridian SubAcute Rehabilitation in Wall, NJ. Furthermore, he worked over fifteen years as a warehouse loader for UPS in Tinton Falls. Prior to donning his chef's hat, Chris honorably served in the army, carrying with him the discipline and camaraderie he learned throughout his service.
Chris leaves behind a loving family, including his devoted wife, Kim, and their five beautiful children, Armone, Dominic, Arialys, Marissa, Bobby, and his cherished grandson, Westyn. He is also survived by his siblings, Gene Markland and his wife Martha E. Markland and their daughter Laura E. Markland; Carmen Shoemaker and her husband Eric Shoemaker and their daughter Kelsey Hildreth; and Kim Webb and her husband Dale Webb and their children, Jonathan, and Kristen Gabriel and her son, Jackson Overly. His memory will be treasured by his cousins, Tracy King, Travis King, Tonya Cartile, Terry King, and Tammy Giles, children of his beloved predeceased Aunt Carol.
Chris was a long-time member of Jesus is Lord Fellowship in Toms River, NJ, where he dedicated 27 years to serving in the Men's Ministry and as a faithful volunteer driver for the church's Transport Team. His commitment to his faith was further evidenced through his participation in multiple missions trips to serve those in need. As a father, Chris' greatest joy was supporting his five children in their travel hockey endeavors, earning him the title of the best hockey Dad ever! His love for the sport was matched only by his passion for a good round of golf. A man of deep faith, Chris lived by the words, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," from Philippians 4:13. His life was an embodiment of this scripture, as he approached each day with the courage to overcome obstacles, including medical ones, and the selflessness to put others before himself. Chris' life was a living example of the quote by St. Francis of Assisi, "For it is in giving that we receive."
His legacy is one of giving, whether it was his time, talents, or unwavering support. As we celebrate the life of Christopher Carroll Markland, we remember a man who walked in faith, loved without reserve, and gave with all his heart. His spirit will continue to inspire all who knew him, and his memory will forever be a beacon of light in the lives he touched.