Mark Doyle Smith

Mark Doyle Smith, 68, a resident of North Fort Myers, formerly of Sidney, NE, passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in North Fort Myers. He was born January 8, 1957, in Sterling, CO, to William and Linda Smith.

Mark attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Coral.

Mark was raised in the Denver area, where he developed a strong sense of family, a sturdy moral compass, and a zest for life that was evident in his robust laughter when something struck him funny. His laughter was contagious. His roots in Denver made him a lifelong, loyal, and avid Denver Broncos fan, rarely missing a game over the course of his life.

In 1977, Mark met and married Susan E. Seeley, a woman he adored and cherished. They moved to Sidney, NE, where they welcomed the arrival of their daughter, Destiny. In Sidney, Mark became an active member in his community, attending the United Methodist Church, coaching youth sports, becoming a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and participating in local fundraisers for the community. He easily attracted a great group of friends who reveled in his quick wit and ornery sense of humor, earning the fitting nickname of “Smitty.”

This love of people and sports encouraged him to open a family-owned trophy and sports apparel store with his mother, Linda, in Sidney, Smitty Sports and Awards.

Later, he returned to school for golf course maintenance and management at Mundus Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, which would eventually lead him to Florida to be the assistant superintendent of the golf course at Stonebridge Country Club in Naples, FL, where he served until retirement.

Mark had many titles in his life: Smitty, Mark, Papa, Dad, Uncle Mark, Mr. Mark, Bossman—but his favorite title was Gramps. With all he pursued in his life, being a husband, dad, and grandpa were his most treasured roles.

Mark was also a musician, learning the bass guitar, but it was his voice that friends will remember most about his talents. He enjoyed all types of music and could sing everything from Elvis to Journey without missing a note.

Mark is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Susan Smith of N. Ft. Myers; daughter, Destiny Haggett (William) of Alpharetta, GA; as well as four grandchildren, Colton Savakinus, Hudson Haggett, Graham Haggett, and Carson Savakinus-Haggett.

Mark was not only preceded in death by his parents but by his sister, Kimberly Jensen, and his oldest grandson and hero, Chansen Savakinus.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, July 3, 2025 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 3460 S. Chestatee Street, Dahlonega, GA  35055.

Virtual Attendance:
The service will be livestreamed at:
https://www.youtube.com/@StPeterLutheranChurch-Dahloneg/streams

Honoring Mark’s Legacy

Watching his grandson Chansen’s lifelong battle with Childhood Cancer profoundly changed his perspective on life. If you would like to donate to charities close to his heart in lieu of sending flowers, they can be made to the following organizations in Memory of Mark Smith, Grandfather of Chansen Savakinus:

• Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida – Child Life Program
  Donations can be made to Lee Health Foundation
  Call: 239-343-6950
  Please indicate the donation is in memory of Mark Smith, grandfather of Chansen Savakinus.
• Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation
  https://fibrofoundation.org/giving/
  Please note “In memory of Mark Smith, grandfather of Chansen Savakinus.”
• Sunshine Kids Foundation
  https://www.sunshinekids.org/donate.html
  Please note “In memory of Mark Smith, grandfather of Chansen Savakinus.”

Friends are invited to send condolences via the on-line guest book which can be found at www.MullinsMemorial.com.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.