Mark Stephen Gunner, 59, passed away peacefully at Sanctuary Hospice House
after an extended illness, surrounded by the love of his family, on September 7th.
Mark was born on October 17, 1965, to Martha and Mike H. Gunner. A proud graduate of
Tupelo High School, Mark was a standout athlete who excelled in both cross country and
baseball, where he was known for his strong arm and competitive spirit. His love for sports
stayed with him throughout his life – he was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and a diehard
fan of the Ole Miss Rebels. He never missed a chance to yell the “Hotty Toddy” chant! He
loved rock’n’roll music and his family will always remember him listening to his favorite
songs and playing his air guitar in the sunshine.
In 1990, Mark married the love of his life, Melissa, and together they built a beautiful life –
full of love, laughter, and dedication. Mark and Melissa lived out every word of their vows
with strength and grace – in sickness and in health, through life’s highest joys and its
hardest trials. Their relationship was a beautiful testament to commitment, friendship, and
unconditional love. They raised three sons, who were his greatest pride. Each one shared a
different bond with him – unique to their personalities and the paths they walked, but he
somehow knew exactly how to show up for each of them. Perhaps nothing brought him
more joy than being “Pops” to his four grandsons. He supported them in everything they
did – whether in the classroom, on the ballfield, or simply in life—showing up for them
every chance he had. The special bond with all his boys was one he cherished deeply, and
his sons and grandsons will always carry the love and lessons he passed down.
Mark will be remembered for his warrior spirit, unwavering loyalty, deep love for his family,
and strong faith. Mark was a longtime member of The Orchard, where his faith and
community played a central role in his life. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, and
the many memories shared with those who loved him.
Mark is preceded in death by his father, Mike H. Gunner; his maternal grandparents,
Evelyn and Bill Gilbert; his paternal grandparents, Claudia and M.H. Gunner; and his
granddaughter, Ally Kirk Gunner. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Melissa Gunner; his mother, Martha Gunner; three sons, Andrew Gunner (daughter-in-love, Alix), Alex Gunner, and Elijah Gunner; four grandsons, Nolan, Liam, Ridge, and Tate; siblings, Michael Gunner, Linda Aibel (Jonathan), Brad Gunner (Brenda), and Marti Hall (Jeff); his in-laws, San Steele and Marilyn O’Grady; and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and special friends. A celebration of life service will be held at 2 PM Friday, Sept. 12, 2025 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with his pastor, Will Rambo officiating. Visitation will be from noon-service time Friday only at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo, which is honored to be serving their friends. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at Hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Livestreaming.
Donations can be made in his memory to Sanctuary Hospice House, PO Box 2177, Tupelo, Ms. 38802.
