Mark Allen Grell

Mark Allen Grell, beloved son, brother, husband, and friend to many, passed away in the early hours of November 27, 2025. It was Thanksgiving Day and his much-loved heavenly grandfather's birthday. He is survived by his wife Leslie, parents Robert and Roberta Grell, brother Greg (Angela) Grell, sister Kimberly (Jim) Smith, nephews Jordan Smith, Joshua Smith, Jacob (Allison) Grell, niece Carley (Isaac) Lipe, great niece Lennon Rose Grell, great nephew Parker Jack Lipe, and step-sons Trevor Brian, Tyler Rushton and their families.

He is also survived by extended family members, including his mother and father-in-law in-law Linda and Myron Patterson, two sisters in law, Kim (Bobby) Gantenbein, Laura (John) Baley, and nephew Myron Jack Baley. He was pre-deceased by Byron 'Red' Barnwell, his best friend with whom he had a wonderfully close relationship for nearly 40 years.

Mark was born to Robert and Roberta Grell, more affectionately known as Bob and Bobbie, in Iowa. He grew up with traits commonly associated with people in the Midwest: a love of community, humility, and hard work. Also popular in that part of the country was a love of the outdoors, and Mark honed his skills in hunting and fishing at an early age.

After years of moving with his parents and living in several states, he chose to remain in Phoenix, AZ, when another relocation came after he graduated high school. His early knowledge and skills in woodworking afforded him the ability to make a living there. He was self-sufficient at a young age and thrived on his own in different areas of Arizona until 1988, when a temporary stay with his family in SC became a permanent

relocation to the South.

Mark always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and after working in construction and cabinetmaking, he began taking on freelance work. By reputation and word of mouth, the extra work grew until he was confident that he could support himself as a business owner. What started as a small business grew over the years as he consistently put in 60-80+ hour work weeks. Fast forward a couple of decades, and he was running a large commercial woodworking and millwright business with up to 40 employees. A few of those employees were with him from the beginning, and others developed deep personal friendships with him, a tribute to how kind and generous he was in cultivating relationships.

In 2005, he moved to Bat Cave, NC, with his wife Leslie, where they remained the rest of his years. They loved the area so much that they purchased land on the river a couple of miles from their home. Mark spent the next five years building two off-grid cabins on the property, and they spent many happy days and nights there. The beautiful work he accomplished in such a rural location is a testament to his extraordinary work ethic and a legacy that will endure many lifetimes.

He exhibited love for his area and community by becoming involved with Bat Cave Volunteer Fire and Rescue. For over a decade, he trained tireless hours and rose without complaint at all hours to heed the call for help. He assisted with calls for anything from clearing trees down in the road, fighting wildland and house fires, and assisting with life-saving measures.

As for personal interests, he had a great love of music, especially that of the Grateful Dead. He and his wife traveled cross-country and to Mexico to listen to live Grateful Dead music and attended many other live music events as well. The joy he experienced through hunting and fishing never wavered. He spent a week every November in Kansas hunting deer and many days and nights on the Santee Cooper River fishing every spring and summer. His knowledge and skill were such that even the local fishing guides would occasionally ask him where the fish were.

Perhaps one of the nicest things to remember about Mark is that many who have been close to him feel like knowing him made them a better person. He always looked to help others ahead of himself. He was stoic, observant, tough when necessary, but also fair and kind. Mark Allen Grell…quiet, unassuming, and hardworking. He was a giver of 2nd chances. And sometimes 3rd and 4th chances. His loyalty knew no bounds for those fortunate enough to know his love. Words cannot measure how wonderful he was, nor how much he will be missed, today and always.

A service honoring his life will be held at Hill Cemetery on Possum Hollow Road in Bat Cave, NC, on Saturday, December 13, at 1 pm. Parking is limited, so please carpool if you are able to do so. Guides for parking and shuttles will be available to assist as needed. Warm casual clothing is recommended for this outdoor service. The family requests, that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Bat Cave Fire And Rescue.

Fare you well, fare you well, I love you more than words can tell.