Mr. Mark Allen Kendrick

Mark Allen Kendrick, age 68, of Gadsden, Alabama was born April 6, 1954 and passed away Friday, November 18, 2022. His family and friends will miss him immensely. The laughter he generated wherever he went cannot be forgotten. It was nearly impossible to spend time with him and refrain from grinning. Even though he endured many years of severe pain and other health issues, he never lost his sense of humor or the ability to make others smile and laugh. Few have the true talent for telling jokes and stories well. Mark had a gift, was animated, quick witted, and enthusiastic when he used an array of voices and delivered punchlines with perfect timing. Often he would keep a straight face and you didn’t even know he was kidding until he and everyone around erupted with hilarity. Mark experienced an interesting life and resided in a number of places across the country. Born in Alabama, he also lived in California, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, Goose Bay, Labrador (where he worked as a ski patroller), Ohio, Georgia, and finally back to Alabama. He played the drums professionally in two bands when he was young and later played them at Alabama City Church of God. He took pride in what he did and excelled at a variety of jobs. Whether he was spinning dough at a pizzeria or selling clothing in a department store, he strived to give a great performance. The title of “Salesman of the Year” was awarded to him twice for Kirby Vacuum Company. Door to door sales even earned him a trip to Hawaii. He worked maintenance and security at Noccalula Falls Park where he was beaten up by a deer, became the best of friends with Lisa the Lion, and regularly had to ask couples watching submarine races to leave the parking lot . He was an exceptional carpenter and worked in construction for several years, often rebuilding homes along the Gulf Coast after hurricane damages. He drove an 18 wheeler and trained other drivers for Osborn Transportation, then later drove for Ross Neely Trucking Company. His favorite long haul runs took him to the western side of the country, into Texas, New Mexico, California, Colorado, and many more states. It was while he was a trucker that he began enjoying the smiles he brought to kids during November and December by wearing a Santa hat accompanying his long, natural, white beard. Children loved to pass by and request that Santa sound the air horn. Mark was always delighted to accommodate and see the happiness that it inspired. Mark never met a stranger. His exuberant personality and love for children brought opportunities to work during the Christmas season. Since injuries prevented him from truck driving any longer, he welcomed the invitation to sit as Santa several years for photographer, Marianne Lewis. He was born for that role. Many families in Etowah County have portraits of their kids and grandkids with Santa Kendrick. He also visited the Gadsden Country Club, some local nursing homes, and civic organizations. It became difficult for him to continue due to health problems. So, he had to retire the red suit except for when he was with his own family. This jokester was also incredibly tender hearted and compassionate. He loved people, especially his family, his four children, and six grandchildren. A true patriot, he was proud to keep Old Glory on display in front of the house. As long as weather permitted, you would find him sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch or poking around the flames in his back yard fire pit. He was always passionate about music and had eclectic taste, enjoying a variety of styles. There may not be a bigger Betty Boop fan known to man. Alabama Crimson Tide football games were regularly recorded to be watched again and again. He also found great pleasure in riding his motorcycle while he was able to do so. One of his favorite adventures was a thrilling ride with a group of bikers who drove The Great Smoky Mountains’ Tail of the Dragon, located on US Route 129. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Wheeler, father, Charley Kendrick, brother, Chief Master Sergeant Don Nance, and his nephew, John Nance. Left to treasure his memory are his four children of whom he was extremely proud, Mark (Tara) Kendrick, Valerie (Keith) McDuffie, Staci (Scott) Bagwell, and Wesley (Jordan) Kendrick. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Nick Kendrick, Anastasya Kendrick, Ira Kendrick, Hunter Kendrick, Avonlea Kendrick, and Ophelia Kendrick. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Paulette (Phillip) Hathcock, niece, Candace Nance, chosen niece, Susan Whitfield, grandniece, Kennedy Nance, grandnephews Ivan Nance, Will Watts, and John David Whitfield. A multitude of neighborhood friends who were like family to him will feel the emptiness he leaves behind. We would like to express our gratitude to the staff of Comfort Care Hospice with special thanks to Terri Calhoun, Sheilisa Vinson, Chaplain Deb Welsh, and Ashley Chapman. Thank you for the TLC given to him and to our family. You are a blessing. We appreciate the staff of Riverview Regional Medical Center’s ER, CCU, and the fourth floor nursing staff. In particular, David Weldon and Brooke Sorter showed Mark so much kindness and were exceptionally attentive to his needs and those of the family. There will be a private memorial gathering at a later time when all of the family are able to attend. In lieu of flowers, potted plants may be sent to Village Chapel Funeral Home and Crematory or feel free to make a donation in his honor to The Alzheimer’s Association.

Mr. Mark Allen Kendrick

April 6, 1954 - November 18, 2022