Mark Wyllie passed away Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2012. He was 57 years old.
Mark was a true resident of Fairhope, born June 27, 1955 at the Downtown Jordan Clinic. He loved a lot of things about Fairhope, but none more prominent than Mobile Bay.
Mark developed great friendships in the area at an early age, challenged some through the years — and over time wearing thin on the patience of a few — but most importantly he was blessed with an uncanny ability to make people laugh. And he was God fearing.
As a kid who possessed loads of athletic talent at an early age, he pitched as a Dixie Youth champion and state footballer, was coached by our father then later by W.C. Majors, Perry Lowery and Bailey Yelding.
Mark’s personality preceded him more often larger than life itself — celebrity, engaging or nuisance with an opinion on anyone and everything, whether you wanted to hear it or not.
Mark was an artisan working his cast net, “making silver dollars son,” and caught speckled trout in front of the house the morning before Hurricane Camille. He even confronted the local thieves along the bay on several occasions!
Mobile Bay provided a measure of consistency for Mark, just like the reserved seating at Kenny and Vern’s barbershop sitting center stage; many thanks to Kenny and Vern, too!
Mark revelled with a good three-finger drink of bourbon whiskey, a casual shot of tequila, cold beer, fine guns as a great shot, gambling, fast boats, cars and women (not necessarily in that order). He also never saw an AYCE buffet he didn’t like!
He wouldn’t want friends to know about a heroic battle for his health, but one in which he did things his way until the very end, obstinate and disobeying, eventually dying in his sleep. God Bless.
Mark was preceded in death by our father, Maj. William (Bill) Philip Wyllie Jr., decorated WWII U.S. Army Air Corps fighter pilot with 82FG/96th SQN and 54th Pursuit Grp, (w/145pts) father, coach and mentor; childhood friend, Jerry Little; most recently brother, Bart Wyllie, 63, of Perry, Fla.; and friend Patti Rue Hopper Roswell, N.M.
He is survived by brothers and family, Billy and Janie Wyllie of Destin, Fla. and LTC Phillip Wyllie U.S. Army (Ret.) with Irene Rue of Belleair, Fla.; and childhood best friend, Ernie Winberg and family.
He was also truly loved and supported through the years by our extended family, DOC “CD” and Ms. Ann Harrell, Dr. “Dudley” and Jo Harrell, George and Becky, “The Flea” Harrell, little brothers and more!
Also, “Brother Paul D.” and Dr. Barbara Rue Haagsma, Rue sisters, Cyndi, Evelyn and Rosie; and brother-in-law, James Hopper; David and Lynn Lowery and all the Pee Wee Little family of Fairhope.
“Let it roll.”
A private memorial service will be held.
