I am sorry for the Hefner family's untimely loss. I knew Richard professionally 2010 onwards, and what a pleasure it was to interact with him. A complete gentleman, he would say and do things to make you instantly comfortable. As if he's known you forever.

My deepest condolences,

Dear Hefner Family, 

I am so sorry and saddened to hear about Mark's passing.  I knew Mark on a professional level and can tell you he was the most humble, intelligent people I've ever meet. I truly enjoyed being around Mark.  His calm, peaceful demeanor made him always standout in my mind as someone who just always had life's priorities straight.  He had a positive impact on me and many other in the Triangle. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

We're deeply saddened by losing Mark and extend our condolences to the Hefner family.  It's hard to overstate the difference once person, one family can make. When we were going through a disruptive and hard move into the Raleigh area, Mark and his family were there for us and our two boys. They helped us get adjusted, led our kids into very important High School Small Group and welcomed us into the Hope community. It just made an impression on us that will last.

Mark was quick to share his faith, professional experience and wisdom in a kind and understanding way. Talking with him, it was clear how devoted he was to Carolyn, his boys, his family and his community. He just had a demeanor and way about him that we should all aim to emulate. He made himself available during difficult career transitions in the past several years.

We should all strive to be that kind of person. Again, to the family, our deepest sympathy. I know where Mark is now, for sure.

I had the pleasure of working with Mark first at Integrian and years later at Infina Connect. Mark was such a thoughtful leader and I valued his advice, guidance and always positive outlook.

He will be missed. 

Mark was a big brother as well as a little brother. 
This is me, his big sister Amy, and Brad our little brother at Brad‘s graduation from Georgia Tech in 1986. Mark was not only a man of faith and honor but he & Carolyn took care to see that our Mom was able to stay in her home after our father’s passing. Mark, Brad And I Were taught the love of God, to be people of our word, and to leave everything; including the campgrounds we stayed at; better than we found them. 
Mark left this world better than he found it. He was a devoted brother and son. 
There are no words to express how much he will be missed nor how much he was loved. Brad and I will continue to love and take care of our Mom to the best of our ability in honoring our father and Mark. 
The Hefner family is a very strong unit and will continue to hold each other up. We ask for your prayers for that strength to continue. 
Amy Hefner-Samson

So sorry to hear this surprising news. I met many times with Mark to hear about the progress at Infina (and reminisce about Ga Tech back in the day). He seemed to be an excellent leader at his company and a delightful guy and I enjoyed those times. I'm so sorry for his family's loss!

So sorry for your loss!  I worked with Mark for many years and considered him to be one of the nicest most professional friends.  Always a smile and a nice word for everyone!  Such a classy guy! He will be missed!

I was heartbroken to hear of Mark's passing and will miss the times we and our wives had together, Although Kari and I met Mark and Carolyn only a few years ago, we spent a lot of our newly retired time together playing pickleball, biking, golfing, dinners, and even marriage classes. When Mark called to tell me of his diagnosis, I was devastated but Mark said although he did not know God's plan for him, with the help of family and friends he would see this through.He had a wealth of wisdom and I will miss his input and guidance on difficult problems whether spiritual, family or technical.  I especially appreciated Mark's spiritual leadership at our recent bible study. Most of our discussions didn't go long before Mark would mention how proud he was of his sons and how much he loved and looked forward to seeing his grandchildren.Mark had such a positive impact on me and I am heartbroken that I will not see him again in this life, but do look forward to catching up when I see him again in heaven. Mark, you will be greatly missed.


The service today was lovely and God honoring. Mark was a cherished gift and guide to many. Quick story: One day after working late I went to the parking garage where my car was one of the last ones, only it had a flat tire.  I pray to the Lord for help….then turn around and Mark says “Hi Chris!”   Of course I exclaimed “Mark, you are my angel!” He gave me a ride and each time we met thereafter I had to always greet him as “Mark my angel”. We shared a good laugh each time.  Thanks for being a great godly example to me and so many, Mark.  And “save me a seat.” 

I am so sorry for your loss. Mark gained so much clarity and encouragement from being in the Halftime Roundtable ten years ago, which was a joy to experience. I am grateful  that he made the changes he did back then aligning his efforts more with his passions. Praying for your whole family for God's comfort. Lloyd Reeb

When I think of Mark, his kindness and easy smile come to mind first which somewhat hid his extreme intelligence and diligence at getting things done. We were roommates in his junior/senior year at Tech and I was so thankful for his invitation to roommate with him in the best room the Sigma Chi house. I was thankful as well for his guidance and help with school courses as we were both EE majors. He was already dating Carolyn in college, and I’ve never seen two people so perfectly matched and destined to marry, have a fine family, and live a worthy life which they obviously did. Nice job!  Like all, I’m a bit floored by the news of Mark’s passing having only found out about last night. My prayers go out to Carolyn and the whole family.  In retirement in a few years, I had hoped to cruise the country with a Sprinter Van to visit my old fraternity brothers and friends and I will sorely miss the chance to see Mark and the chance to listen to great music with him as were often did in our frat room. I could go on and on about Mark’s attributes, including him being the president of our fraternity for a term, but you all know what an amazingly grounded man he was.  What is unusual in my mind it that he appeared to be that way from a very very young age.

Growing up back in the 60’s and 70’s in Savannah, Mark and I were best friends…but fierce rivals in the Sharondale Road vs. Golf Club Drive games! Football in the yard where the tree and the road were out of bounds and the driveways were the goal lines, 3 on 3 basketball, around the world, or HORSE on Mark’s sloped driveway basketball court.  What fun fun times we had growing up!  And OH!!! what patience our moms and dads must have had on Friday and Saturday nights once we got our driver’s licenses.  All through elementary and high school and then on to Tech for college, we played together, worked together, studied together, yes…partied together, and grew up together.  We didn’t know or care  at the time but we were making lifetime memories and building bonds that never went away. After graduation from Tech and careers and families and miles took over, Mark and I didn’t see each other as much as we should have. But even so, every time we did, it was as normal as it was growing up. Mark was always…Mark.  Fun, humble, a calming presence, a role model, a leader, my friend. Carolyn, I’m so thankful for yours and Mark’s visit to the beach this year and our time together! And for Mark teaching me to play Pickleball.  And our evening and morning together 3 weeks ago where I witnessed again first hand Mark’s faith and hope and positive attitude…and steak-grilling ability.  I’m very sad and I’m going to miss my friend greatly.  But I will say that on Sep 3, I saw the most beautiful sunrise on the beach where I felt Mark’s presence.  Having lunch later in the day, what should come across the speakers but the Marshall Tucker Band (one of our favorite bands growing up). Thank you Mark! Thank you for the good times, the bad, all of our times, and for memories I’ll treasure forever. I love you man! 

My husband and I are very thankful that we got to know Mark a little bit at the pickle ball courts this last year. He was kind to play with us even though we were beginners and he was a much better player. We’re so very sorry for your loss. It is a loss to us all because of the kind of person he was. We pray for you Carolyn, to be strengthened and comforted in these difficult times.

What a wonderful man he was. I’ll always remember that welcoming and warm smile. Mark taught Steve’s Starting Point class and then mentored Steve to teach that same class for the next 15 years. I can’t imagine the number of lives that Mark influenced with the gospel. I can’t imagine your loss, Carolyn.  Praying that you would experience peace that surpasses understanding knowing that he is with Jesus. 

I've always enjoyed playing pickleball with Mark.  He was my Niu Pipo paddle buddy.  He had a gentleness and quiet joy to him that we all were able to experience.  We will miss him dearly but I can imagine Mark having the best time playing pickleball with Jesus now 😀 

I'm praying for the peace of God to be with you and your family.  

"Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning."

There are no words to express how much Dad meant to me, but one of my greatest joys was seeing how much my children adored and lit up around him. The feeling was mutual and he was such a loving person to them and our whole family. It's not goodbye Dad, we'll see you soon.

Everybody loved my friend Mark.  Please rest knowing we fellow Christians will see him again.   
Jack Muirhead

I am very sorry for your loss.  I worked with Mark at Allscripts years ago, and he had a profound impact on me.  I found him to be a man of integrity and character.  While I had not spoken to Mark in some years, I thought of him often.  

The Hefner family will be in my prayers this week.

Hello Hefner family, I'm so saddened by Mark's passing.  He was and will always be a great friend and mentor to me.  Martha and I surely missed seeing your family after you left Florida.  Even though we missed your family's generosity and comradery, we knew deep down there was a need for you to follow God's ultimate plan.

Although it's a bit fuzzy after all these years, I do remember amazing soccer play by Cory and others during those Indialantic Force games.  

I know from this and other events, that Mark was proud of all the family and supportive of everything they did.  He was an awesome Dad, with a capital D!

God bless you all through this time of sorry with the peace that passes all understanding.  In Christ, Scot and Martha.



Thank you for including me in this notification - Mark believed in me when many did not - I will never forget the late night my hotel phone rang in June of 1997 - I was 500 miles north of Montreal working on a program everyone believed would Fail. I was alone and emotionally almost out of gas - I was there in that desolate place for 16 weeks without a break working 7 days a week with a shoestring crew of Temp employees - Mark called late that night to encourage me and reassure me that I was doing the difficult work others would not, and that when I returned he would have work for me - his encouragement spurred me on and the program was a glowing success. Other times when he could have been far more direct and critical he was patient and gracious - I think of him often and will truly miss him 😢 … At the beginning of the wireless craze (that we were all chasing), I remember a funny ad from a tech pub Mark plastered on the door of his office.

 It was a Bass Fish being hooked on a lure and the caption read “Don’t you wish everything was wireless?”  

Mark will be missed by many of us

To the Hefner family - this is very sad, and please accept my condolences. I worked with Mark at Hill-Rom and he is 1 in a million and a true role model.  Knowing Mark's faith, this is not good bye, but see you later. Peace to all.

Chris Mathura.

Very sad to hear about Mark's passing. Got to know Mark as a fraternity brother at Sigma Chi during our Georgia Tech days. One of the finest people it has ever been my privilege to know. We mourn his loss, but celebrate the life of an outstanding father, husband, business leader and man of faith.

In Hoc,
Alan Segars

What a beautiful obituary and so true of Mark. I knew Mark through his mother and father because I work for his mother. Mark was such an intelligent man, just like his dad. I remember all the times that Mark and Carolyn came to visit his mom and the list that we had for him or her to fix because they didn’t want me to climb or do anything  to get me hurt. Mark would always say, I will take care of it when I come down. Mark was a true saint and man of God. His heart went out to everyone that needed help with anything from the smallest to the largest of things. There wasn’t anything too hard for Mark to do, even remodeling. Mark reminded me a lot of his dad, not only in looks, but also in the way he kept his garage area, everything little thing had its own place.😃 To the family, which I consider my family, may God comfort you all and give you peace as well as understanding. I love you all and thank you for allowing me the honor of being a part of your family.❤️

I didn't know Mark, met him in passing at Hope.  Carolyn I am so sorry for your loss. You both raised two amazing boys, Scott and Ryan had a huge part in my son Juan's success in life!!! They must have had an amazing father figure to be such amazing positive male role models. So sorry for all of your loss,  may God give you comfort in this difficult time. 🙏 

Wow...so shocked to hear.  With my brief time sharing with Mark through bible study and at Hope, the description of how he lived his life could not be more spot on.  Anytime I was in his presence, I felt the love of Christ through his kind and passionate demeanor, and his calm confidence in his faith of Christ.  He shared it freely and intentionally; never with condemnation but with invitation to share the peace of Christ that lives within him.  Mark, I am so sorry I did not know you had this battle and did not get a chance to see you and share what you meant to me, but know you made an amazing impact on my life and my walk with Christ...as I know you did with many.  I can only imagine the joy you are experiencing now.  

Sincerest condolences and love to the Hefner Family. My memory to share is when I was in high school and Mark had begun dating my sister. He came by our house on Kensington Drive with Barbara and Ira for a family dinner! Mark was a Man of God who loved and treasured  his family and his church. He was amazing in every job he had. He had many friends  and even kept in touch with his GT buddies. Mark loved being outdoors especially hiking, camping and boating with his family. God Bless Mark. He is with the Lord now.

So sorry to hear of this - I worked with Mark on a long and very sensitive program at Harris in Melbourne FL. Of the thousands of people I have worked with in a long career, Mark made a very positive impression on me that I remember well.  Aside from being a highly capable professional engineer, he was a fine human being with empathy and humor, a very effective leader, and a good Christian example. The projects he worked on at Harris helped our country in important ways, but because of the sensitivity involved only a very limited number of people know about them. But I can tell you Mark made an impact on our world. Rest in peace brother.

Mark was my classmate in honors high school classes. He never gave the impression that he was a brainiac because he was also on the city championship football team.  We were the guinea pigs in school busing in the 1970s but we made it through with mutual respect.  I last saw Mark and his beloved wife at our last all class reunion.  It was a great reunion for all. God bless the Hefner family.  

Julius (Ray) Hall 
Windsor Forest 77
Northwestern 81 
Northwestern Law 84

I met Mark in August of 1977 when we became roommates at our first year of college. I immediately realized what a special human being he was and felt he was a great mentor before I even knew what one was. He gave me a cherished friendship that lasted 46 years and opened up his family to me at a time when I was young and lonely. His sister Amy and his parents were influences on my life as I began my path to becoming an adult and I have never forgotten how much they all helped a Northern Jewish boy adjust to living in the South at age 17, 1000 miles from home. I watched Mark grow into an even greater human being when he met Carolyn our Junior year and as he raised 3 great children who followed in his footsteps and all accomplished great things in their lives too, all surrounded by unconditional love and support of an extremely special, wise, compassionate person. I consider myself extremely lucky to have had him in my life all of these years and will miss him deeply but never forget him. May he live on in all our hearts and souls.

I worked with Mark at Allscripts for several years, and then came to Infina/Smartlink through my relationship with him. He was always such a kind, patient, and genuine person, passionate about healthcare and helping people.  He was a friend and mentor first, and a boss second.  I feel so lucky to have had him in my life for 14 years, but my heart aches at his loss.  My heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family.



Sorry to hear the sad news.  My thoughts and prayers for peace are with you during this difficult time.  I met Mark and worked with him on a business relationship while he was at Allscripts and I was with Hyland Software.  He was a genuine, fun to work with and an all around good person to do business with.   I thoroughly enjoyed working with him and please know  that he positively impacted many people in his career.   May this and your many family memories bring you peace during this difficult time.  🙏

To Mark's family, I had the honor of both working with your Dad 20 years ago, and the even greater honor of being able to call him and your Mom friends since then.  His intelligence and very successful professional career are obvious, but above all on a personal level, he was always a gentleman, and a man of honor and faith.  As healthcare conversations would come up over the years and common acquaintances would arise, he'd often laugh and say, ''Everyone knows Dr. Bob", but I'd like you all to know how much I looked up to him professionally during my career and how proud I was to have his friendship.  Take care of yourselves and your beautiful Mom and be proud of him, always, because you have every right to be.  And know that I and many others will miss him dearly.

Mark was such a thoughtful leader.   He had a smile for one met and handled work with the same grace he did family and friends.  So sorry for your loss, he will be missed by so many 😢🙏👼

I was extremely saddened by this news. Mark was always so supportive of me during my time at Hope Community Church. He always had a smile. He was a rock in Christ.  He was such a humble man. He always had a word of encouragement for me when I was working in KidCity with the young people, including Cory. I am praying for all of your family. 

I had the pleasure of working with Mark and he was a fine gentleman and businessman.  Honest and loyal, a tremendous quality that was evident in all his interactions. RIP.

Love you Dad.
This was the two year anniversary of our purchase of our fix up house on Buchanan Blvd in Durham — a project that send us through ups and downs and sideways. Torrential rain couldn’t dampen our spirits. Thank you for your selfless sacrifice, positive attitude not just for the gift of helping us fix up our first house, but for the time dedicated to spend with us. We may not have house repair in heaven, but we will still find plenty to do together. Till then—

Mark was a great colleague.  I always enjoyed spending time with Mark and talking healthcare. He will be missed. 

Father, how we THANK You for giving to us Mark Hefner. Thank You for the sixty-four brief years we had to LOVE on him, and for him to love on US. We especially thank You for the promise that he is with You in heaven for all eternity, where all of his needs have been met. Father, all of us who are stuck on planet earth, still have so many needs, especially the need to be comforted. I pray, Holy Spirit, Your comfort would be upon all of them. We know that Mark is in heaven, not because he was such a good person, which he was, but because he knew Your Son, JESUS, as his personal SAVIOR and LORD! Father, it is because I knew Mark so well, that I know his desire is for everyone here today to be with him when it is their turn to die. And so I pray that if there are any who don't know Your Son Jesus like Mark knew Him, that they might ask Him into their hearts before it's too late. It's only then that they will be able to say with that blessed assurance, “See you again, Mark! Save me a seat!” In Jesus' name. Amen. (3 of 3)

But what excited me most about Mark, something that made me do what I like call a little “SNOOPY DANCE,” was his eagerness to learn and study God's Word, the Bible! I witnessed Mark's hunger for this first-hand when I began a men's Bible Study in our church. Mark listened intently to the teaching and lively discussions we had with men who, like him, were seeking God's help for making them better men, husbands, and fathers. We met at 7:00 in the morning at the church until one of our members invited us to meet in his spacious office to make it more intimate. It proved to be this and a big challenge, since we had to meet at 6:30! I remember Mark and the other guys saying, “Do you know how EARLY I need to get up to be here at this crazy hour?” This was always followed with the words, “But it's WORTH it!” Mark's faith truly came alive as a result of these intimate Bible Studies we men enjoyed, when we not only studied our Bibles, but became accountable to each other, learning how to “sharpen each others' iron” as Proverbs 27:7 says.
Knowing him and feeling his love for me has helped make me the man I am today. You see, since a sledding accident at the age of five, I have been a stutterer. It was Mark and others like him over the years who have helped me to believe in the Jesus inside of me to “do all things through Christ who strengthens me” that Philippians 4:13 promises. What helped all of us who knew Mark the most I believe was the “fruit” he grew in the garden of his heart. He never tired of sharing this fruit with any and all he met that was there for the “picking.” The Apostle Paul describes this fruit in Galatians 5:22-23. Listen closely, and see if he isn't describing what Mark Hefner gave to all of us, his family and friends, that made us love him and God so very, very much: “But the fruit of the SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (2 of 3)

Reflections on My Good Friend and Brother in Christ,
Mark Hefner
    How I wish I could be with all of you today to love on you and read these words that concern a  man who was a precious friend and brother in Christ of mine for many years.  I will try to be brief, Pastor, although it will be very difficult, since I had a deep, deep love for my brother Mark.
     I was blessed to have been one of Mark's and his family's pastors at First United Methodist Church in Melbourne, Florida. I remember the very first time I met Mark after a worship service along with his wife, Carolyn, and three sons Ryan, Cory, and Scott. I said to myself, “WOW! What a special family! I can't wait to get to know them and find out what makes them so special!” It did not take long to find out what this was: theirs was a family built upon the Solid Rock, Jesus Christ! Mark was truly the “Spiritual Head” of his home, and Carolyn, his loving “Help Meet” as Genesis calls her. Over the years our two families became close. My wife and I enjoyed how easy it was being around this loving couple when they would open their home to us on numerous occasions and let us relax, and just be ourselves. Every parsonage family needs and treasures those few intimate friends who allow them to “let down their hair.”
     When Mark and I would meet alone I enjoyed his easy going manner, comforting voice, and incredible wisdom! He never failed to ask, “How are you doing today, Pastor Ken?” and then he would practice something we Pastors and Chaplains call “Active Listening.” This is when a person is “all there” with you and paying close attention to what you are telling him or her. Some pastors and chaplains have to learn how to do this, but for Mark, it came naturally. Besides Mark's “active listening” skill there was a compassion for others and a desire to help anywhere he was needed in his church and community. (1 of 3)

OBITUARY

Mark Richard Hefner

18 January, 1959 – 2 September, 2023

Apex Funeral Home

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