Mark Harper Gerringer, born April 26, 1959, lived his life on his own terms and as his truest self until he left this earth on January 21, 2023. Mark is survived by his partner in life, Courtney Gray Langer, brother, Charlie Gerringer and his wife Cheryl, niece, Sara Gerringer Demeria, nephew, Andy Gerringer, Aunt Beverly Clement, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Ruth and Harper Gerringer.

Mark grew up in Hampton, Virginia. He was a cute, blond, precocious boy who loved crabbing in the creek, building forts, playing hide and seek, riding bikes and catching lightning bugs with his older brother and his neighborhood friends. Mark loved and admired his older brother. Something which never changed as he grew up. It has been said once or twice, the two of them together put their parents to the test.

Mark's formative education was in the Hampton City School System attending Wythe Elementary School, Armstrong Elementary School, Thorpe Junior High, and Hampton High School. He made many close friends during those years many with whom he remained friends until his passing. Mark cherished his friendships and called frequently to check in and make sure all was alright in their worlds. Mark finished his secondary education at Fork Union Military Academy (FUMA) in Virginia graduating in 1977. While attending FUMA, he was part of the color guard and was proud of his accomplishments during his years there. He wore his class ring throughout his life and remained friends with many of the young men he met. Mark went on to attend Radford College. There he was a founding member of the Radford Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, a fraternity bond he and his brother shared as Charlie was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon at Virginia Tech.

Both athletic and creative, Mark participated in many sports but found his passion for sport in karate. He was quick, well balanced, and excelled in competition. He was taught and mentored by Frank Hargrove, a relationship which he cherished throughout his life. Unbeknownst to most, Mark was also an artist. He started drawing and sketching in elementary school drawing cartoons. Snoopy and Charlie Brown having a special place in his heart. He took art throughout middle and high school and later dabbled in pen and ink. He took his creativity and love of art and turned it into a vocation in Tampa, FL becoming a talented neon tube bender making neon signs and other smaller pieces for friends and family. One of his favorite projects was making the Outback Steak House sign for his hometown location in Hampton, Virginia! Mark later took his creative talents and became a mason. He worked on commercial projects for Busch Gardens Tampa and many residential projects.

The beach, warm weather, surfing, tiki bars, and marine life took Mark to Tampa Florida where he lived most of his adult life. Mark made friends wherever he went. Mark considered his close friends' family and they him. Mark was called "uncle" by many of his friend's children. He made friends with the young and the old. Age was of no matter. The more he teased you the more you knew he liked you! Mark was an excellent storyteller and could make everyone laugh.

Mark left Tampa to be with the love of his life, Courtney Gray Langer. He set the course for a beautiful love story. Childhood friends reunite to find love in their hometown of Hampton, Virginia. Mark and Courtney created a home in Hampton not far from where they grew up. Together they made life an adventure! Mark and Courtney together enjoyed reconnecting with old friends, attending live outdoor concerts, going out on the boat, grilling out, and traveling. Mark was a master of the grill and excellent seafood cook, a skill he learned from his grandmother, and often cooked for Courtney. Mark grilled on his boat and sometimes ordered take-out to be delivered to the boat so he and Courtney could enjoy the sunset. Bumble Bee, Mark's yellow vintage corvette was his pride and joy. He loved taking her for a daily drive. The day was not complete without a drive down Chesapeake Ave along the waterfront. Occasionally, he would let Courtney drive Bumble Bee but only under his watchful eye!

There are people in the world whose souls are not whole without a dog. Mark was one. His beloved dog Rocky was by his side for 18 years. After Rocky passed, a friend was able to help Courtney find a dog for Mark. Mac (named after Mark And Courtney) brought chaos and fun to the house and much joy to Mark's soul. Mark also had a true companion is his cat Apollo.

Mark had an area of their home he called the "Crow's Nest" where he was surrounded by memories of things he or family had made, pictures he had taken, neon art he created, and his beloved animals. From there he could watch over the neighborhood, his animals, watch TV, and hang out with Courtney. Mark loved watching old John Wayne movies, animal shows, and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers. No one was a more loyal fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers than Mark. He was watching the game and cheering them on whether they were winning or losing. Winning the Superbowl was a time of intense celebration up in that nest!

Mark would have been the first to tell you he had a great life. He lived it to the fullest! No regrets. No words left unsaid. We are saddened that he has left the Crow's Nest for the last time. We can smile knowing he is telling stories to a new crowd.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 3:00 - 5:00 PM at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, Hampton.  Services will be private.