We are sad to share the passing of Mark Anthony Puryear, 66, of Clover, SC. Mark was born March 26th, 1959, to the late John Burnell Puryear and Eva Dell Walters Puryear. He passed peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on April 27th, 2025. 

Mark grew up on a tobacco farm in Nelson, VA, with his two older brothers. He had countless adventures with friends and cousins growing up, leaving behind many there who love him and will miss him.

For over 40 years, Mark, better known as Sparky, traveled throughout the Southeast and across the US working at various nuclear plants as a Valve Technician/Mechanic, where he formed lifelong friendships. Throughout his years in South Carolina, he also owned and operated Sparky’s Lawn Care, worked at Leiner Health Products and Diamond Springs Water.

Sparky enjoyed spending time outdoors, having a cold one with others, or laughing and cutting up with family, friends, and coworkers. He was happiest when he met Karen, his wife, in the late 80s. They spent over 35 years together. He adored his only daughter, Emily. They shared a lifetime of memories as best buddies always entertaining one another’s crazy ideas.

Sparky was the life of the party, no matter the setting. Sparky is remembered as a loyal friend and a jokester, who was always able to make people laugh and bring light to any room. His coworkers have shared that while he was always smiling and playing pranks, he also served as a mentor and leader to younger peers.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Burnell and Eva Dell Puryear; nephews, Brad Puryear and Josh Puryear; and niece, Michelle Puryear.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Karen Puryear; daughter, Emily Puryear Johnson and son-in-law Alexander Johnson; two brothers, John Puryear (Rita) and Roger Puryear; nephew, Wade Puryear (Carrie); niece, Crystal Ward (Nick); and nephew, Joseph Montgomery (Caitlin), who Sparky viewed as a son, and numerous other family and friends.

The funeral service will be 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 1st at Bethel Baptist Church, 6381 Lake Wylie Road with Pastor Steve Kirby officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:00 pm in the church fellowship hall before the service. A graveside service will be 11:00 am on Friday, May 2nd at Lakeview Memory Gardens, York, SC.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America, 15 S Franklin St, New Ulm, MN 56073, at https://lcfamerica.org/donate/.

M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, Clover, SC is serving the family of Mr. Puryear.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.