10/12/2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mark Ware, 54, on Friday, October 2nd, 2026.
Mark lived a life full of immense love, caring, and service to others.
Mark was a proud and dedicated United States Army soldier, starting with JROTC at Heritage High School and continuing ROTC at Mercer University. He was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in June of 1995. He served in Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, and many other numerous places. During his Army career he attained the rank of Major, earned the Army Parachutist badge and served as a Command/Unit Chaplain. Throughout his 20 years of service, he devoted himself to serving soldiers, their families, and his country. His military service was recognized with numerous awards and decorations including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal. He retired carrying with him the values of service, faith, leadership, and commitment that remained a part of who he was throughout his life. He used those traits to continue to serve his fellow veterans in Western North Carolina through his career as a Veteran Coordinator with the State of North Carolina to the Director for Warriors Veteran Outreach, Commander for American Legion Post 96, and Chapter Secretary to Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) 15-8. He loved the veteran community.
Mark’s passion for knowledge and learning was the only thing that superseded his love of country. His formal education includes receiving a BA in clinical psychology (business minor) from Mercer University and his Master of Education, theology/ministry, from Liberty University. His desire to grow and learn kept him rooted in books and courses too many to list.
It is for his love of Christ and learning that we humbly ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the building fund for Shepherd Academy. He prayed for the coming of the school and the sustainability of a source of Christian education for our community. Please make checks payable to Shepherd Academy the address is 68 Fairfax Dr. Murphy, NC 28906 or you may also bring your donation to the service.
Mark is survived by his wife Edye Ware, his parents Steve and Audrey Ware, his stepchildren (Kristen (Mark), Kyle (Summer), and Camron (Ashlyn) and his cherished grandchildren (Aurora, Kylinn, Blakely, Serena, Lukas, Skye, Scarlett, Hyland, and Clara). As well as his brothers, sisters, cousins, kinfolk, and friends. Mark is proceeded in death by his grandparents Marcella H. Smith and Tobe and Lucille Ware.
As Mark’s parents, we thank God for the immeasurable blessing of giving us our beloved son and allowing us to be his parents for more than 50 vibrant, wonderful years. From the beginning, his life was a gift, and watching him grow into the remarkable man he became was one of the greatest privileges of our lives. We will forever cherish his laughter, his spirit, his love, and all the memories God gave us through him. We grieve his absence deeply, but we are profoundly grateful for the precious years we were given and trust that he is now held safely in God’s loving arms.
As Mark’s wife, I could write a book about the special man he was and the life he led, so full of accomplishments, struggles, trials, and victories. While all those shaped him into the wonderful man I loved, nothing was grander to me than his role as husband, father, grandfather, and son. He found such joy and purpose in those roles. I was so very blessed to share this with him. There are not enough moments in this life that would have been enough to spend with Mark, so I cherish the ones I had. He was my home, my safe space, my comfort and joy. He made me feel cherished and whole. He loved relentlessly with a passion that was all consuming. I am honored to have been the wife he chose, and I will be his wife into eternity. Until we are united again in Heaven, I will do my best to honor his legacy on earth.
Mark’s celebration of life will be held Saturday October 17th at Shepherd of the Mountains Church 68 Fairfax Dr. Murphy, NC 28906. Visitation will begin that day at 10:30am. Service will begin at 11:00am. Following the service, there will be a time of gathering and remembrance. Family and friends are invited to gather for food, refreshments, and fellowship. Together we mourn this great loss and celebrate Mark's presence in Heaven.
One of Mark’s favorite verses: Deuteronomy 6:5 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength” (HCSB) and he did just that.
