Mark David Williford
Born on October 20, 1953 in Orlando, FloridaPassed on October 13, 2025 in Melbourne, Florida
Mark David Williford died peacefully on October 13th in Melbourne, Florida just shy of his 72nd birthday. Born October 20, 1953 in Orlando, the son of Kay Reece and Pauline Knarr Williford, and brother to Eric. He was a natural athlete who loved to swim and roam the neighborhood with his friends. He met the woman who would become his wife, the then Joy Willard, at Colonial High School in 1970 when redistricting resulted in his transfer from Boone to Colonial High School. They met when teachers sat them in alphabetical order. Their first date was senior prom and they have been together ever since.
He attended Florida Technological University (now UCF) before transferring to the University of Florida to complete his degree in Pharmacy in 1976.
He and Joy married in 1974 at Christ the King Episcopal Church in Orlando. After graduating pharmacy school, he worked at Leesburg General Hospital before he and Joy moved to Brevard County where Mark took a job at Brownings Pharmacy. He soon moved on to employment at Holmes Regional Medical Center where he remained for 10 years, making many friends. He was appointed as the first pharmacist at the newly built Palm Bay Community Hospital in 1992, continuing to serve there until retirement in 2010. He was named 2008 Palm Bay Community Hospital Employee of the Year. Mark was known to be honest and hardworking, and nurses loved his sweet and funny nature.
In his spare time Mark attempted to learn the banjo, enjoyed Scottish Country Dancing (winning the “Bonniest Buns” contest at Thistle School), was a consistent swimmer and later water aerobics attendee at Pro Health and Fitness. He loved to read, especially in his later years. He also was an under the radar sports and Florida Gator expert and loved Broadway musicals, especially My Fair Lady. He loved Western movies and could quote by heart most episodes of the Andy Griffith Show. Mark loved ice cream and had a crazy talent for wiggling his ears, which entertained and humored all.
Above all, Mark was a devoted husband to Joy and father to his daughters, Melissa and Katie. He supported Joy in all of her professional and community ventures, including her move to Sewanee, Tennessee for three years to attend seminary. He truly was a supportive and loving partner.
Mark loved his daughters deeply and dearly. He taught them to ride a bike, bowl, drive a car, and much more. After a long day at work he would still be found at their many sporting events and activities. This devotion and support continued on to his grandchildren, even when his mobility became limited.
Mark is survived by his wife of 50 years, the Rev. Joyce (Joy) Willard-Williford, his daughters Melissa Euziere (Michael) of Melbourne and Katie Grant (Travis) of Gainesville, as well as five grandchildren, Emerson and Cooper Euziere and Owen, Bennett, and Eloise Grant. Mark was also “dad” to Anne Lahtinen of Helsinki, Finland. He will be missed by extended family and dear friends. Mark was preceded in death by his parents and older brother.
All those who had the chance to meet and know Mark quickly knew what a kind, funny and gentle man he was. He had a quick and dry wit. He was rooted in his faith and his family. He was a longtime member of Holy Trinity Episcopal and Christ Episcopal Churches and served as an active acolyte for many years as a child, teen and adult.
Mark gave abundantly and loved fully. His family would truly not be who they are without the gift of being loved by this wonderful man. He will be deeply, deeply missed. His goodness was wide, pure, and deep. We find comfort in knowing that he is finally free of the awful XK disease that slowly ravaged his body the past almost 25 years.
Long live and prosper Dad. You lived and loved so, so well. We will miss you forever.
Services will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 2pm at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 50 West Strawbridge Avenue in Melbourne, Florida. In his memory and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Neuroacanthocytosis Advocacy USA, Inc.to support continued research towards better treatment and ultimately a cure for the ultra-rare neuroacanthocytosis diseases, including XK disease from which both Mark and his late brother succumbed. For more information and/or to make a donation, see: Neuroacanthocytosis Advocacy USA, Inc
