March 7, 1970 ~ December 29, 2021
“Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:4
Marc Aaron Gura was welcomed into the joy of heaven in the early morning hours of December 29, 2021.
Born on March 7, 1970, Marc was raised as the youngest of three children in Braddock Hills, PA, by his parents Lillian Gura (Wargo) and William Peter Gura. He was a member of the inaugural graduating class at Woodland Hills High School where he proudly performed as the school’s very first wolverine mascot. After graduating, Marc attended the University of South Carolina at Coastal Carolina College, where he brought to life the school’s Chanticleer mascot, earning numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 20 Mascots in 1991 by the Universal Cheerleading Association. In recognition of his many contributions to Coastal Carolina sports, a scholarship has been established in his honor, the Marc Gura Coastal Carolina University Spirit Scholarship, which will benefit students who demonstrate the joyous school spirit for which Marc was so well-known.
After graduating from Coastal Carolina, Mark enjoyed a 27-year marketing career in the utilities and smart grid industry. He was widely recognized for his abilities in the areas of design, education, and trade show marketing, as well as his hard work, forward-thinking, and a people-first approach to all his contributions. Marc adored musicals, loved all things car/automobile-related, and enjoyed listening to and participating in choral singing. He was a strong supporter of small businesses and worked closely with a number of small business owners as a freelance designer/marketer. In his free time, Marc volunteered with Boy Scout Troop #500 and Venturing Crew 500. The Gura family attends Maple Springs Baptist Church in Louisburg, NC.
After being diagnosed with a Glioblastoma brain tumor in June of 2020, Marc faced one of his greatest obstacles with strong faith, a positive attitude, and his trademark joyous spirit. While recovering from brain surgery, Marc found a new purpose by writing and designing a children’s book entitled “Thoughtful’s Unfriendly Guest Must Go.” The book shares a child’s journey from discovery to the removal of a brain tumor. Marc’s intention is for proceeds from the sale of the book to be donated to pediatric brain tumor research.
Marc’s greatest joy in life was the family that he and his wife Janet (Nagel) built in their 23 years of marriage. He dearly loved and was immensely proud of his children, Jack and Carolyn. Marc leaves behind, brothers-in-law, Robert, Kenneth and Bill(Lois) Nagel; friends, Norm Solomon (Terri), Steve Dombrowski (Mary Alice), Marty Dombrowski (Lynne), Annie Johnson (Chris) and Don Emery and his beloved “cuz”, Jennifer Wasco (Michael). Marc is preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and William. Marc will be remembered by everyone who knew him as a joyous, spirit-filled, motivational, and loving father, husband, and friend.
Friends may visit with the family from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday evening January 3, 2022 at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home and also 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at Wake Forest United Methodist Church, 905 South Main Street, Wake Forest followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations which are dear to the Gura family:
Transitions LifeCare Hospice, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 https://www.transitionslifecare.org/
Marc Gura Coastal Carolina University Spirit Scholarship, Fund #8212, Coastal Education Foundation Box 261954, Conway, SC 29208
Please visit the below site for further information about Marc’s Book, “Thoughtful’s Unfriendly Guest Must Go” www.thoughtfulthebrain.com
Book sales will be donated to pediatric brain cancer research.
The Gura Family would like to thank all of those who stood in the gap during Marc’s long journey home. Thank you for supporting us through transportation, prayer, food and fellowship. Also special thanks to John Holla (Marc’s Physical Therapist) Linda and Rhama from Transitions who became part of the family; as well as, Latangela, from Always Best Care, who allowed us to get a good nights rest. We will never forget your compassion and thoughtfulness.
“Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks for his holy name. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:4-5
Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919)556-7400
www.cswfuneralhome.com
