Services: A memorial service will be at 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 25, 2009 at First United Methodist Church, 804 Montvale Station Road in Maryville with Rev. Larry & Brenda Carroll officiating.
Visitation: A Celebration of Life gathering will immediately follow the service.
Ronald “Mark” Sterling, age 54, of Maryville, wonderful husband and father, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2009 at Blount Memorial Hospital ending a courageous battle against cancer. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Maryville and a Veteran of the US Navy during 1974 – 1978 assigned to the USS Kitty Hawk. Mark was a licensed Optician and a graduate of Roane State & Everett High School. He was employed with Bathfitter. Mark loved music, people, watching his boys play soccer, camping and fishing. Mark worked at maintaining his friendships but the focus and love of his life was his family. Mark was preceded in death by his Nephew, Corey Hayslip. Survivors include: Wife, Leigh Greaser Sterling; Sons, Chase Hunter Sterling, Sean Houston Sterling & Nicholas Seth Sterling all of Maryville; Daughter, Raven Nicole Sterling of Maryville; Parents, Claude Henry (C.H.) & Betty Sterling of Maryville; Sisters & Brothers-in-law, June & Mike Lail and Laura & Carson Caldwell all of Maryville; Father-in-law & Mother-in-law, Dan & Shirley Greaser of Farragut; Sister-in-law & Brother-in-law, Dawn & Steve Zilles of DeWitt, MI, Brother-in-law & Sister-in-law, Eric & Robin Greaser of Farragut; several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and a multitude of special friends. A memorial service will be at 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 25, 2009 at First United Methodist Church, 804 Montvale Station Road in Maryville with Rev. Larry & Brenda Carroll officiating. A Celebration of Life gathering will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers a tax deductible donation may be made in Mark’s name to Little River Watershed Association at www.littleriverwatershed.org. Mark was passionate about the river and created many wonderful memories around it with his family.
I remember the first place I ever encountered Mark was choir in my sophomore year (I think it was, or could have junior year). Anyway, I think he took choir only as a "bird course". I remember even in his early years he had a thing for glasses. He wore these rose colored glasses and I guess he felt cool in them. He could always make me laugh.
Later, a few years ago, I began seeing him again. My daughter and his son were in band together at Maryville. Our kids went to Maryville High School - isn't that ironic since Maryville was Everett's arch enemy. I had respect for Mark and thought he was such a great guy. He's very much missed. Sometimes at the ballgames, I find myself still seeing him helping take band equipment out on the field for halftime. I know that's not possible, but the memories are still there.
Susan DeLozier
Ronald Mark SterlingBorn: February 15, 1955
Died: September 20, 2009
Services: A memorial service will be at 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 25, 2009 at First United Methodist Church, 804 Montvale Station Road in Maryville with Rev. Larry & Brenda Carroll officiating.
Visitation: A Celebration of Life gathering will immediately follow the service.
Ronald “Mark” Sterling, age 54, of Maryville, wonderful husband and father, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2009 at Blount Memorial Hospital ending a courageous battle against cancer. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Maryville and a Veteran of the US Navy during 1974 – 1978 assigned to the USS Kitty Hawk. Mark was a licensed Optician and a graduate of Roane State & Everett High School. He was employed with Bathfitter. Mark loved music, people, watching his boys play soccer, camping and fishing. Mark worked at maintaining his friendships but the focus and love of his life was his family. Mark was preceded in death by his Nephew, Corey Hayslip. Survivors include: Wife, Leigh Greaser Sterling; Sons, Chase Hunter Sterling, Sean Houston Sterling & Nicholas Seth Sterling all of Maryville; Daughter, Raven Nicole Sterling of Maryville; Parents, Claude Henry (C.H.) & Betty Sterling of Maryville; Sisters & Brothers-in-law, June & Mike Lail and Laura & Carson Caldwell all of Maryville; Father-in-law & Mother-in-law, Dan & Shirley Greaser of Farragut; Sister-in-law & Brother-in-law, Dawn & Steve Zilles of DeWitt, MI, Brother-in-law & Sister-in-law, Eric & Robin Greaser of Farragut; several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and a multitude of special friends. A memorial service will be at 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 25, 2009 at First United Methodist Church, 804 Montvale Station Road in Maryville with Rev. Larry & Brenda Carroll officiating. A Celebration of Life gathering will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers a tax deductible donation may be made in Mark’s name to Little River Watershed Association at www.littleriverwatershed.org. Mark was passionate about the river and created many wonderful memories around it with his family.
Pat Cooper (Word)
I remember the first place I ever encountered Mark was choir in my sophomore year (I think it was, or could have junior year). Anyway, I think he took choir only as a "bird course". I remember even in his early years he had a thing for glasses. He wore these rose colored glasses and I guess he felt cool in them. He could always make me laugh.Later, a few years ago, I began seeing him again. My daughter and his son were in band together at Maryville. Our kids went to Maryville High School - isn't that ironic since Maryville was Everett's arch enemy. I had respect for Mark and thought he was such a great guy. He's very much missed. Sometimes at the ballgames, I find myself still seeing him helping take band equipment out on the field for halftime. I know that's not possible, but the memories are still there.