Mark Carroll, 62 and far too young, of Oxford passed away at home on March 31st surrounded by the people he loved.

He was born and raised in Garner, graduating from Garner Senior High School. He started his career in the printing industry before finding his true calling as a chef. He earned his Culinary Arts degree from Wake Tech in 1995. Mark started in the industry working with some of Raleigh's most esteemed chefs before transitioning into corporate food service where he spent the remainder of his career. Early in his career, he was the recipient of the American Culinary Federation Junior Chef of the Year award. He found joy in sharing his love of food with everyone he knew.

Aside from his family, his three greatest loves were BBQ, bourbon, and being a Mason. Mark never met a bourbon he didn't like, nor a pork butt he couldn't smoke. He was a proud member and Past Master of Adoniram Lodge #149. Mark had the gift of making everyone feel important and we are all better for knowing him. We will miss his smile, dark humor, and his perfect scrambled eggs.

Survivors include his wife Christine (Murdock), daughter Emily Hope, mother Marie Smith, sister Melanie McDowell (Mike), brother Charlie Carroll (Mickey), sister-in-law Nancy Zarrello (John), brother-in-law Jimmy Murdock and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and masonic brothers. He was preceded in death by his father, Curtis Carroll.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday April 6th at 2pm at the Masonic Home for Children Chapel.

Flowers and plants can be received by Sossamon Funeral Home in Oxford. Or, in keeping with Mark's spirit, go out and do something nice for someone.

Arrangements are by Sossamon Funeral Home of Oxford. Online condolences may be made at sossamonfuneralhome.com.