Mark Wathen

Mr. Mark Wathen, age 53, passed away April 7, 2023. He was born in Chamblee, Georgia to Patrick Wathen, Sr. and Doris (Bitsy) Huber Wathen. Mark graduated from Marist High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech. During his time at Georgia Tech, he worked in the Registrar’s Office and probably understood, better than most, how the “T” on the Tech Tower came up missing on occasion. Following his graduation, Mark worked at Full Circle Lighting as a lighting designer and project manager. In 2001, Full Circle Lighting became HiTech Rentals and Mark stayed on when it became PRG (Production Resource Group) where he continued as a project manager. His role expanded into overseeing all aspects of event production. Mark was the “go-to” lighting and sound guy on many notable productions including TedTalks, EAA AirVenture OshKosh, and the International Poultry Production and Processing Show among others. He regaled his family with stories of the famous people he met: Bill Gates is a really nice guy. A famous TV psychologist- not so much. Outside of work, Mark was a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Matthew Catholic Church and was tapped to stream Mass online during the pandemic and until his illness made it too difficult. Mark was the Cubmaster for Pack 373 at St. Matthew and an Assistant Scoutmaster for BSA Troop 79 at Hopewell United Methodist Church, seeing many young men through the rank of Eagle Scout including his son, Alex. He was the consummate stagehand dad for his daughters, Claire and Cate, and their many theatrical performances. Mark loved nothing more than seeing his children grow into adulthood as kind, caring, and smart individuals who are ready to take on the world. Mark saved his greatest love for his wife, Leila, whom he met at the Georgia Tech Ferst Center during one of her performances with the Southeastern Savoyards. They married nearly 25 years ago and to say it was an adventure would be a vast understatement. Mark enjoyed camping, hiking and all things outdoors. He loved a fun game night and any and every family vacation whether it was at the beach or in the mountains. He never met a stranger and whether you were young or old, he wanted to know you and your story. His love of life was contagious and you couldn’t help but laugh whenever he was nearby. Mark was a force for good and touched the lives of so many people. He truly made the world a better place. Mark is survived by his loving wife, Leila Kay Wathen; his three children, Alex Wathen, Claire Wathen, and Cate Wathen; his mother, Doris; his brothers, Patrick Wathen, Jr. and his wife, Paula, David Wathen and his wife, Elizabeth; his parents-in-law, Marc and Jerry Bramblett; sisters in-law, Marci Edge and her husband, Michael, Amy Weaver and her husband, John; brothers in-law, Marc Bramblett, Jr and his wife, Kelly, Matthew Bramblett and his wife, Sandi. In addition, he leaves numerous special nieces and nephews with whom he enjoyed fun adventures and relentless teasing. He was preceded in death by his father, Patrick Wathen, Sr., his sister, Ann, and his sister in-law, Gwen Bramblett. He will also be missed by his pets, Mo and Sebastian, who found a way into Mark’s heart despite his assertion that he’s not an animal guy. A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Tyrone, GA. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. at Parrott Funeral Home & Crematory, Fairburn, Georgia, 770-964-4800. . In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer. org. Condolence messages can be sent to lmwathen@gmail.com.

Mark Wathen

February 17, 1970 - April 7, 2023