Mark Craig Spain

Mark Craig Spain, a Cleveland, Ohio native, was born on May 25th, 1960, and was the first-born child to John and Lucille Spain. Born and raised in Cleveland Ohio, he attended Catholic school throughout his primary and secondary education. He was a newspaper carrier for the Cleveland Press at a very young age, not long after, he began delivering the early morning newspaper The Plain Dealer. The newspaper ink got into his blood and he was hooked. He attended a local community college, then attended Cleveland State University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Communication. While a student there, he hosted a Friday afternoon jazz show on WCSB-FM. The training paid off and led to a job as a booth announcer at WVIZ-TV PBS in Cleveland. He had a love for music and the guitar. While in school he and a friend played and sang at local restaurants as the Carr & Spain Band.

Throughout his career in television news, he has held positions in Ft. Wayne Indiana, Erie PA, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Jacksonville, FL and Lynchburg, VA. Mark loved what he did, reporting and anchoring the morning and evening news. Over the years he has earned many accolades including several Emmys, Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalism, and other awards. With great teamwork, he and his colleagues earned several regional Edward R. Murrow awards for outstanding news coverage. Mark loved his work and it showed. As a journalist, he was adamant about knowing and sharing the facts before telling a news story. He had a big heart and loved to help and mentor those new to journalism. Being in people’s living rooms each evening was truly a privilege and one he was proud to have.

Mark became an avid runner sometime back in the 90’s. He was dedicated to running and wanted to stay in shape, running at least 3 times a week, anywhere from 3-5 miles. It was one of his passions. His hobbies included movies, traveling, music, reading, watching his son play soccer, and spending time with his family.

Co-workers and colleagues have become friends over the years and many television stations later. He didn’t realize how he would build such a community within the communities he worked in, or the impact he would have. His positivity, kindness, and hope for change are a model for us to continue.

He is survived by his wife Lynita Spain, two daughters Lindsay Rose Spain, and Jenna Leigh Spain, his only son, Maxwell Christian Spain, his brother David Wallace Spain, grand-daughter Mia Brown, his mother-in-law Lynn Carter, sister-in-law Dasha Price, four nieces Kizziah Howard, La’T asha Howard, Marley Peek and Summer Peek, two nephews Shawn Robinson and Carlos Robertson.

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Thomas Road Baptist Church. A visitation will be held two hours prior to the service from 12 until 2 PM.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.