Mark Lee Tobias

Mark Lee Tobias, age 51 of Maxville passed away Thursday, August 19, 2021 at the Mayo Clinic after an extended illness. He was born on March 14, 1970 in Portsmouth, Virginia to Russell and Virginia Tobias. The family moved to Maxville in 1971, where he resided until his death. 

Mark had many struggles in his lifetime, acute lymphocytic leukemia, epilepsy, suffering three strokes, aneurysms, a brain tumor, and lastly acute promyelocytic leukemia. He met each challenge with extraordinary strength and grace that could only come from God. 

After finishing high school, Mark completed the culinary arts program at FCCJ. He took great pride in cooking and would cook at restaurants such as Quincy’s and Texas Roadhouse. He would even work as a chef for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also looked forward to the annual cane grinding and cooking with his cousin and “partner in crime”, Ed McCreary. Mark was also an avid fan and season ticket holder for the Florida Gators. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Maxville.

Mark’s positive attitude, willingness to help others and share his love of Jesus was ever present.

Preceding him in death are his grandparents: “Papa John” and Dora North and Hubert and Thelma Tobias; uncles: Greg and Shirley Tompkins and Dave Coverdale; aunt: Claudene North; and cousins: Jeff North, Tessa Godwin, and Charles Wellhausen.

He is survived by his parents: Russell and Virginia “Helen” Tobias of Maxville; sister: Terri (his Monte) Thomason; uncles: Claude (Bethany) North and Roger North; aunt: Jewel Coverdale; nieces and nephews: Heather (Justin) Steger, Haley (Michael) Conover, and Tyler (Whitney) Thomason; cousins: Alice (Charlie) Heiny, Bernie Sacks, Sam (Lisa) Sacks, Barbara (Larry) Cameron, Elaine (Roger) Robinson, Susan (Phil) Simon, Kathy McDonald, Linda Schranz, Cheryl (Ed) McCreary, Kim (Darla) North, Clay Coverdale, Leslie (Brian) Phillips, Adam North, Traci (Joe) Conroy, and Jana (Tim) Howell; as well as a host of extended cousins and other family members. His church family was very important to him as well.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Maxville, Friday, August 27, 2021 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Richard Fish officiating and Rev. Richard Rand assisting. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Long Branch Cemetery.

Hawke M.T. Forbes and H.M. “Hank” Forbes Jr. of Forbes Funeral Home are honored to assist the Tobias family with arrangements. “With Your Family In Mind”. (904) 259-4600. Please leave your condolences for the family in the online guestbook at www.forbesfuneralhome.net.

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