Obituaries
Mr. Mark Gregory "Pookie" Callis
04/15/1955 - 02/08/2026
Mark Gregory Callis—known to just about everyone as Pookie—passed away on February 8,
2026. Born on April 15, 1955, Mark lived his life with one clear goal: to have fun, and to make
sure everyone around him was having fun too.
Mark had a mischievous streak and was often the life of the party—and there were plenty of
parties. He was rarely without a beer and a cigarette in his hand, and if he wasn’t telling a
great story, he was busy creating the next one. His circle of lifelong friends is a testament to
his fierce loyalty, his big personality, and the unforgettable nights that turned into even better
stories the next day. As a child, Mark taught himself to ride a unicycle and was often spotted cruising around town on it—sometimes even making the long ride out to Palmer Point. It was classic Pookie—bold,
fun-loving, and impossible to forget. A talented athlete, Mark was especially well known for his baseball and softball skills, and he loved the game most when he was playing it. Fiercely competitive and always determined to win, Mark put all he had into every game…. regardless of any party the night before.
Having grown up working alongside and learning from his father, Mark was a highly skilled
plumber, electrician, and heating service man. He had a passion for fixing things and took
great pride in his work. He made it a priority to take care of the elderly and children first.
Mark is survived by his wife, Beth Callis; his brother Michael Callis and wife Lacy; his niece
Heather Blalock; his special great-niece Aleisha; and his special great-nephew Juwan; and a
host of cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Weldon and Margaret Callis, and
his sister, Paige Blalock. Mark leaves behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, generosity, and just enough trouble to keep things interesting. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever talked about with
a smile. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm at Crestview Memorial Park on Saturday, February
14 th , 2026. A celebration reception will follow from 2:30-4:30 pm at Palmer Springs Community
Center, 81 Palmer Point Rd., Boydton, VA 23917. These will be very casual events.
In honor of Mark’s love of his community, memorial contributions may be made to Exiled
Motorcycle Club in support of their You Are Not Alone Day community fundraiser and sent c/o
Clark Martin, 3596 Blackridge Rd, LaCrosse, VA 23950. Mark had a special way with animals,
so contributions may also be made to Lake Country SPCA, P.O. Box 14, Clarksville, VA 23927.
The Palmer Springs Community Center has many times been a place for celebration so
contributions to support it may be sent c/o Sharon Johnson, 270 Sunset Blvd, Boydton, VA
23917.
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Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home & Crematory
PO Box 422
1504 N. Mecklenburg Ave.
South Hill, VA 23970
Local (434) 447-7171
Fax (434) 447-3212
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Beth and Mike,
I am so sorry to hear this. I have been friends with Pookie for as long as I can remember. He was a kind and loyal friend. The parties and adventures will always make me smile and remember. RIP my friend.
Cousin
Beth & Michael & family,
So sorry for your loss…Mark definitely
made you laugh when he was around.
Sending healing prayers, peace & comfort
to you. Please take care of yourself!
Keith & Kay Callis
Beth, Our condolences to you and your family.
You are in our prayers.
Sister-n-law to Keith Callis & Sister to his wife Kay.
Roy & Claudia
Pookie was a friend from 5th grade to present. He was among the first friends I made when I moved here. He will definitely be missed. Prayers for Beth and all the family and friends that have lost a good soul.
Friend
Beth, I know you are missing that sweet man. My heart aches for you and for all who love him. I know at least one friend who was waiting for him and that was surely a joyous reunion.
Dearest Beth,
Mark was loved by many people, myself included. He was the life of South Hill back in the day! His presence at any party made it the best of times, and I’ve got stories! A man with a heart of gold! “Spike” is waiting for you with a 8 pack of ponies to share!
He wa a good friend…
Beth – My deepest condolences. I know Mark was the light if your life and brought you joy and laughter.
By Odie Whitlow
We were terribly saddened to learn of Mark’s death. I am one of his “host” of cousins, as our mothers were sisters. I never was really close to Mark, being 10 years older, but we were all in a very close-knit family.
To Beth and Michael, we are so sorry for your loss and hope to be able to express our sympathy personally at our next family reunion, as we are sorry we will not be able to attend the cemetery service on Saturday. We hope to see you in June.
We also want to say that Mark’s obituary was so well written and was a real tribute to him.
Odie and Gloria Whitlow
One of the kindest, gentlest souls ever. We both lived on Franklin St. during our younger years, playing baseball in the yard til dark, then kick the can, he was The King of the unicycle. I was just a year ahead in high school, and we had many fun times…a finer human being with a bigger heart would be hard to find…my heart aches for you Beth, what a blessing you were to him…will pray for your peace and comfort.
If you ever wanted to feel good about yourself all you had to do was run into Mark. He would be so happy to see you and was sure to let you know. Always happy and ready with a funny tale. His love for Beth was so apparent and he was so helpful with anything you needed. I will always picture him on that unicycle flying around town laughing. He will certainly be missed.
I grew up hearing countless stories about Pookie from my parents(Lee Anna/Glenn) and uncles(Dale and Dean). He was such a big part of their lives from high school through adulthood, and the memories they share are always full of laughter and mischief. This obituary was one of the most beautiful and honest tributes to a life well lived. Sending love to his family and all of his friends.
I knew Mark thru my time working for Beth. The days he and Chief would roll into the lot for lunch. Chief barking before he even got to the building. Such a sweet person. I know there were some hard times for both he and Beth and send many hugs to her and his family.
Doris and Jerry Weston
Beth, we are so sorry for your loss.
I’m very honored and proud to call Mark Callis, my friend, He’s the King of party.
Beth, I want you to know I am sending love your way. I pray the Lord will bring you peace and strength to get through this difficult time. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. As always, I miss you..
To Beth
My dear girl I am so sorry for your loss and I hope you are doing well. Take care of yourself and carry on with your Life Love and Prayers
Remembering Mark
Thoughts and Prayers to Marks family and friends and all who knew him.. He was always kind and friendly whenever we saw him. His mom and dad were very special friends to us. Mark was caring of others just like his parents. May GOD give you all His comfort and peace now and in the future.
Mark was a kind gentle soul and treasure all the memories we have made. Beth we are here for you .we love you !
So sorry!
Beth and Family,
I did not know him but I live in South Hill and read all obituraries that come and I know that your family has lost someone you loved very much. I’m so sorry, time will help but not much! you will always miss him but time does help the pain of losing him. Pull out your picture albums and laugh and cry while you think about old memories. I know from reading the Obit that I would have liked him a lot. I’m sorry I did not know him. God bless you all!!!!!
Sending you big hugs Beth. Rest well Pookie.
My condolences to the family of Mark. So sorry to hear this. Prayers goes out to family and friends.
Beth.so sorry for your loss…Mark was a good -hearted person…You were definitely one of his biggest and best blessings…please know we are thinking of you and will do anything we can for you…
Beth I am so sorry for your loss.