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Mark Lane Churchwell 53, passed away unexpectedly on July 6, 2026. He was the son of Robert Carl and Linda Kay Churchwell. Mark’s survivors include his two children, Anthony Hayden Churchwell and Caitlyn Chrystine Churchwell; the mother of his children, Kathy; and close friends who Mark considered extended family members: Tod, Angie, Lanie, and Cullen Gaskill (Adrian) all of Frisco, North Carolina.
Mark was a hard worker, good friend, and an avid sports lover- especially his Houston Texans football team. He also loved life and dearly loved his children who made Mark so proud. He also still loved their mom, Kathy.
Mark was a trusted employee of Top Dollar Construction for many years. That relationship bonded Mark closely with Tod and Angie- the company owners. He even accompanied the Gaskills when they moved from Texas back to North Carolina. Mark and Cullen Gaskill developed a special bond like brothers. While they were not brothers by blood (family isn’t always blood) Mark became an older brother figure to Cullen. Mark’s gentle, loving, kind-hearted, friendly, compassionate and sweet nature will be greatly missed by anyone who had the pleasure to know him.
The family has honored mark’s preference for cremation. The graveside committal gathering will be held at the Gaskill Family Cemetery 52248 Lovey Lane in Frisco, NC Friday September 11, 2026 at 4 pm. Pastor David Stowe will officiate. Please share expressions of comfort and support at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.

Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was founded in Nags Head, NC in 2006 by licensed North Carolina Funeral Director Courtney N. Gallop. This independent, minority and woman-owned start-up funeral home challenged the existing monopoly firm which had sole control of all funeral care, goods, and services provided in Manteo, the Outer Banks, and Currituck County for nearly 100 years.
Finally - someone brought competition into the local funeral industry. As a direct result of Gallop Funeral Services, Inc., local families now have choices, options, alternatives, fairer pricing, flexibility, and a higher level of service in funeral care for their loved ones.

In 2016, Gallop Memorial Chapel was opened in Barco, NC. The spacious, newly remodeled facility is the first and only funeral service-related business ever to locate in Currituck County. The Barco Gallop Memorial Chapel is conveniently located near the Outer Banks, Moyock and Elizabeth City. The elegant yet relaxing chapel interior is welcoming and comfortable for viewings, family gatherings, funerals, and memorial services. Our Barco chapel is perfectly equipped to serve all faiths and families in the county.
Courtney Gallop and the staff at Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. are committed to excellence. We continue to improve, grow, invest, and learn in order to provide the highest level of service for all families entrusted to our care.

In 2011, we built and established Capital Crematory, the first and only crematory ever in Dare County. The crematory supports Gallop Funeral Services and also provides professional cremation services for other funeral homes in the Albemarle area. Having our own local crematory means your loved one's cremation will be handled personally by owners of the funeral home, 100% locally, quickly, and at the best pricing.