Mark David Settle

Mark David Settle ("Diamond Jim") – age 73, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A lifelong resident of the Knoxville area, Mark was a member of Fountain City United Methodist Church and a man who found joy in the simple, meaningful moments of everyday life.

Mark was an avid fisherman and a true tinkerer at heart - he really was Mr. Fix-It. There was not anything he couldn't repair, improve, or figure out with his own two hands. He loved playing cards, spinning slots at Harrah's Cherokee, cheering on all UT sports, and working in his garage and on his yard, where he also took great pleasure in feeding the squirrels and birds that frequented his home. Mark also spent countless lunches at Litton's with his closest friends, returning there almost every day. The "know-it-all" table was filled with good food, stories, laughter, and the comfort of familiar faces.

Above all else, Mark was a family man. He loved his family deeply and wholeheartedly, and his steady presence, kindness, generosity, and humor will be missed beyond words.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, J. Will and Betty Lou Woods Settle, and by his sister, Dana Christine ("Chris") Settle.

He is survived by his fabulous and beloved wife, Julie Gettelfinger Settle; his beautiful daughters, Anna Settle (Johnathan Richey) and Sydney Settle Minichiello (Richard); his cherished grandsons, J.B. and Jet Richey; his brothers, Jim (Carol) Settle and Jay Allen (Charlotte) Settle; his uncles O.L. Weaver and Jack Hill; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law, all of whom he loved dearly.

Mark will be remembered not only for his many talents, but for the way he showed up for the people in his life. He was a good man - steady, loyal, and kind - who was generous beyond measure and never sought recognition or repayment. His legacy lives on in the skills he taught, the values he passed down, the friendships he nurtured, and the love he gave so freely to his family. Those who knew him were better for it.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Fountain City United Methodist Church, with Mike Segars and Rev. Don Hanshew officiating. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Inskip Baptist Church, 4810 Rowan Rd., Knoxville, TN 37912, or to Fountain City United Methodist Church, 212 Hotel Rd., Knoxville, TN 37918.

Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37924. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com