Mark Easterling

Hartsville, SC

     On Wednesday morning, April 22nd, 2026, Mr. Mark Easterling was called home to be with Jesus. Mark passed while surrounded by his family at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center. He was 64 years old.

     A native and lifelong resident of Hartsville, Mark was a son of the late Leland Rich and Louise Easterling. Summarizing Mark’s life is not easy to do. He loved people and never met a stranger. He was a very loyal Red Fox and Gamecock Fan. Although Mark never was able to read, each night, he would take his Bible and read it. The family recalls being in town one evening and Mark heard a stranger say, “I have a headache.” He immediately responded, “I’ll pray for you.” Mark was also known as the “trash man.” Each Friday, he took trash to the road, brought the cans back to the house, and expected his payment of $5.00. He would only accept $5.00 – no more, no less. He also enjoyed wrestling, especially John Cena. Something many people didn’t know was that Mark was married…his wife was also his favorite singer, Dolly Parton.

     Surviving to cherish his sweet memory are his siblings: Cathy Griggs, Leland Rich “Gaye” Easterling, and Tommy “Gina” Easterling; “son” (his cat) Mittens; nieces and nephews: Barbie (Keith) Wilks, Richie (Kim) Griggs, Tommy (Stephanie) Easterling, Tony (Melissa) Easterling, Betsy Easterling, Daniel (Meg) Easterling, and Jeannie Woods; great nieces and nephews: Bella Griggs, Zachary Wilks, and numerous others.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Bonnie Woods; and a niece, Cricket Kelly.

     The service in celebration of his life will be conducted at 2 o’clock on Sunday afternoon, April 26th, 2026, from the Chapel of Norton Funeral Home. Reverend Tom Gainey and Reverend Ladell Humphries will officiate with a committal following in Magnolia Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

     The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to McCoy Nursing Center in Bishopville for their care of Mark during his stay with them.

     Norton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be with Mark’s family during this time.