of Searcy, AR
October 25, 1964 - November 10, 2016
Robert Mark Story, 52, of Searcy passed away Thursday morning, November 10, 2016 after his brief battle with cancer. Mark was born in Houston, TX on October 25, 1964 to Kenneth and Patsy Story of Searcy, Ark. He is survived by his wife, Rayanne Adams (Head), his 3 daughters, Sarah, Rachel and Emily; his parents, Ken and Patsy Story; one sister-in-law, Amanda and Jason Hufford, 2 nieces, Arden, Laney and a nephew, Cohen; and a host of friends and family. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Lloyd and Dollie Story; Paul and Imogene Morris; and his best friend, Malcolm Howell.
A 1987 graduate of Harding University, Mark received his MBA in 2008 and currently working toward his doctoral degree at UALR while simultaneously acting as Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Human Services. Mark led all financial and budgetary activities for the $8 billion agency, including health care, child welfare, and adult protective services. His unique knowledge of Medicaid finance was invaluable to the State of Arkansas and, because of his work, Arkansas is able to provide health care for over half a million children, as well as adults with disabilities, the elderly, and the poor.
A 1983 graduate of Harding Academy, Mark graduated with a 4.0 and lettered in football, basketball and track. At Harding, Mark graduated from the College of Business and Administration with a BS in accounting; was a member of the Titans Men's Social Club and currently served as one of the Titans' sponsors. Mark was also a member of the President's Council at Harding. A CPA, Mark was a member of the National Association of State Human Services Finance Officers National Newsletter Editor and Planning Committee and a member of Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business Administration.
An avid Razorback fan, Mark was an even bigger fan of his daughters' sports and school activities, coaching softball for the Searcy Youth Softball League in which the girls played and was a strong advocate. Mark's strong voice for the things he believed in also provided him the ability to sing and lead singing in church. He loved music, golf, travel and reading and shared these gifts with his friends and family.
Mark was a member of the College Church of Christ and a Deacon while a member at the West Side Church of Christ in Searcy.
Visitation will be at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home, 411 East Race Street in Searcy on Monday, November 14 from 5-7 p.m. A memorial service will be Tuesday, November 15 at 1:30 p.m. at West Side Church of Christ, 709 West Arch in Searcy.
In lieu of flowers and to invest in the future, the family has set up a scholarship in honor of Mark at Harding University, 915 E. Market, Box 12238, Searcy, AR 72149.
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24 Condolence(s)
Tammie and David Hullum
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
We are deeply sorry for your loss. David and I were very lucky to get to meet and spend time with Mark and his wonderful family when we were up there 2 years ago. He was an amazing person and his loss will be felt by many. We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Marianne Bennett
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Rayanne, my deepest sympathy to you, your children, and Mark's parents. What a wonderful husband, father, and son he was. He brought so much not only to his family and friends but to his community and all those around him.
I am Lisa Terry's mom and I know how much she cares for you and your family. I have known Ken and Patsy since we were high school-age youngsters just starting out in the world. My heart goes out to all of you.
Monica & Sandy Townsend
Monday, November 14, 2016
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. You and your families are in our prayers
Debra Johnson
Monday, November 14, 2016
My condolences to Mark's family. I worked with Mark ever since he started working with Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education at DHS many years ago. News of his passing was a great shock as I had seen him only a week or two ago.
He was a great employee with the agency and someone I enjoyed working with.
Todd and Kimberly Brackins
Monday, November 14, 2016
Rayanne,
We are so sorry for your loss, and know that the sense of missing him will be strong for you and the girls. We are praying for you through this, and we believe in God's promise that we/you will see him again! We pray that you sense His peace and comfort in a deep and comforting way.
Love you,
Todd and Kimberly
Margaret Wahrer
Monday, November 14, 2016
I sincerely mourn Mark's passing he was a wonderful person and a friend who will be missed
Kristine Brooks
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Dear Rayanne and family,
I am heart broken for you'll at the passing of Mark. Please know I have thought of your family many times throughout these days. Each time I think of you'll I am praying for you'll to feel God's peace and strength every hour of every day at this time and in the days to come.
My sincerest condolences,
Kristine
Betty Albright-Bistrow
Saturday, November 12, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the Story family on such a deep loss. May God bless each of you as you go through the days ahead.
Tony and Kay Felker
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Dear loved ones of Mark,
Coach T and I are so sorry to hear this sad news. Prayers for each of you for comfort and peace. Mark was a great young man, friend to many, great athlete , loving son and a loving husband and dad. God bless each of you.
Coach T and Momma K
Paul and Jan Morgan
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Please accept our sympathy and love for all of the Story family! We are praying for you during this time of sorrow!
Cari Rooks-Osborn
Saturday, November 12, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.
Dana Loyd Wilhite
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Rayann, I am so sorry. There are no words but I will be praying for you, the girls and the rest of the family. God will give you comfort. Love you.
Vonnetta Allenbaugh
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Dearest Rayanne, girls and all members of Mark's family.
There are no words to describe how deeply sorry I am for your loss.
What a very special person; I feel so very blessed to have known Mark and am only one of so many who were honored to call him my friend.
May God comfort you and your family today and in the days ahead.
Stephanie Fields
Saturday, November 12, 2016
My heart goes out to Rayanne, the girls and Mark's whole family. I hope you can find comfort in family and friends surrounding you with love now and in the times ahead. Hugs to everyone.
Lynn Lensing
Saturday, November 12, 2016
We are so saddened to hear about your loss. We are praying and thinking about you and your family.
Tom & Terri Sledge
Saturday, November 12, 2016
We were so saddened to hear of Mark's passing. Our prayers for peace and comfort go out to his family and friends.
India Boyett
Saturday, November 12, 2016
My heart goes out to you and your family. Prayers and I love you
Shannon Raney
Saturday, November 12, 2016
My family has you and your family in our prayers!! May God help you through this difficult time.
Victoria Patrick
Saturday, November 12, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for strength for your family. I love you all.
Victoria Patrick
Saturday, November 12, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for strength for your family. I love you all.
Mike and Edith
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Our prayers for God's comfort in this time of loss.. We never understand these things, but comfort ourselves as the song we sing Farther Along We Will All Understand It... God will help us in this journey... Mike and Edith Self Seger...
Sam Hubler
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Story family,
We want you to know how much we love you and pray for you! Our hearts go out to you. We know you will see him again and that Jesus has his arms around Mark. Take care and God bless. - The Hubler family.
Jeff Branch
Saturday, November 12, 2016
I'm very sorry to hear of Mark's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Mylinda Dill
Friday, November 11, 2016
My sincerest condolences to the Story family on the loss of their husband and father. Our hearts are with you in this horrible time of sorrow. I hope that knowing how much your extended family loves you brings some semblance of peace to your aching hearts.