Joseph "Mark" Sutherland of Elk Creek, Virginia, passed peacefully on October 27, 2023, at the age of 69.  Mark was born July 20, 1954, in Galax, Virginia, to Elbert Joe and Betty Hall Sutherland.  He was preceded in death by his lifelong friend, high school sweetheart, and wife of 47 years, Carol Lee Sutherland, and his beloved father, Elbert Joe Sutherland.  During his years running "Mark's Country Store" in Comers Rock, he enjoyed visiting with neighbors and playing many Rook and Pinochle games, which often extended into the late evening hours.  Mark was a gifted builder and mason, joining in the family business, Sutherland Construction, before moving into contractor sales in later years.  He enjoyed deer and turkey hunting, fishing at Hale's Lake, photographing wildlife and old barns, playing Solitaire, reading, studying his Bible, listening to music, and spending time with his grandchildren.  Mark served his community in the Elk Creek Fire Department for nearly 50 years and as a choir member, Sunday School teacher, superintendent and lay speaker at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and director of the Comers Rock Cemetery.  He was a member of The Gideons International.

Mark is survived by his son, Chad (Jennifer) Sutherland of Comers Rock, daughter, Cindy (David) George, of Mt. Airy, North Carolina, his mother, Betty Hall Sutherland of Comers Rock, VA; three grandchildren, Kyser George, Myla George, and Mitchell Sutherland, brother, Lyndon (Pam) Sutherland of St. Paul, several nieces and nephews, special friend, Steve Lankford, of Kernersville, NC, and his poodle, Chloe, and cat, Snowy.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, October 30, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 715 Mt. Zion Road, in Comers Rock.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, c/o Susan Delp, 6288 Comers Rock Road, Elk Creek, VA, 24326, or Comers Rock Cemetery, P.O. Box 15, Elk Creek, VA, 24326.

On behalf of the family, a special thank you to the staff of Commonwealth Senior Living of Cedar Bluff for their kindness and loving care of Mark.