Staunton loses a pillar ... Mark Tinsley passes away

Update: Mark Tinsley remembered as hundreds turn out for memorial service

Obituary for Mark Tinsley, Staunton

Mark Spence Tinsley, 53, of Staunton, passed away May 7, 2011, at the University of Virginia hospital.

He was the devoted father of Morganne, Calla and Maddie Tinsley and is survived by their mother, Stephanie M. Tinsley. He was the son of June H. Tinsley and the late Harvie S. Tinsley, Jr. He is also survived by two sisters, Karen T. Frank of Waynesboro and Kerri T. Vipperman and her husband Andrew S. Vipperman of Roanoke. Mark was a beloved uncle to his nieces and nephews — Brooke Frank and her fiancé, Travis Harris, Kerri Frank, and Sarah and Drew Vipperman. Also surviving are his aunts and uncle, Barbara and John Bengel of Richmond, Virginia, and Carolyn Tinsley Neatrour of Rochester, New York, and many close cousins.

Mark was born Sept. 25, 1957, in Richmond, and relocated with his family to Staunton in 1966. He was a 1975 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School and attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. In 2010, Mark graduated from Eastern Mennonite University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.

Mark was co-owner of McCormick's restaurant and was instrumental in opening several restaurants in Staunton. In 1990, he established and opened The Depot Grille in the Staunton Train Station. Since 2000, he has been a financial adviser with Edward Jones Investments.

Mark has been active in many organizations, including the Y, Historic Staunton Foundation, Kiwanis, and the R.R. Smith Center for Art and History. He was an active member of Memorial Baptist Church, where he served as deacon, a member of the Ushers, Tellers and Financial Committees, and when called upon, a member of the "Desperation Singers." He also served on the finance committee for the Virginia Baptist Board.

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10. 2011. at Memorial Baptist Church, 224 Taylor Street in Staunton. The Reverend Temple D. Myers will preside over the services. The family will receive friends in the church social hall following the ceremony. The burial will be private. Pallbearers will be Chip Hylton, Doug Sheets, Boyce Brannock and Butch Smiley. Honorary pallbearers will be the past and present Depot Grille family and fellow financial advisors with Edward Jones Investments.

Mark was an active member of the community and supported many endeavors that improved the lives of others. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any of the aforementioned organizations or to Memorial Baptist Church.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to all of the friends who have been so supportive and loving to Mark and his family over the past six months.

Henry Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.henryfuneralhome.net.