Mark Slade Wilkins, 58 of Hoover, Alabama, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, October 18, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, family, and cherished memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Born on October 21, 1967, in Orlando, Florida, Mark spent his childhood on various Air Force bases in Florida, California, Illinois, and Alabama. Although his family's military life took them to many places, Alabama became the home he loved and where he built a life centered on family and community.

Mark graduated from Auburn University at Montgomery with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with an emphasis in Computing. He devoted more than 20 years of service to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, where he held a variety of positions ranging from Systems Consultant to Department Manager, Technology Support. Throughout his career, he was respected for his leadership, dedication, and willingness to help others succeed.

A devoted follower of Christ, Mark attended Hunter Street Baptist Church and lived a life that reflected his faith. He was known for his kindness, gentle spirit, quiet strength, and genuine care for others. Whether offering encouragement, sharing wisdom, or simply being present, Mark consistently poured into the lives of those around him.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Stanley "Will" Wilkins.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Starla Farmer Wilkins; his three sons, Greyson Slade Wilkins, Carson Kennedy Wilkins, and Anderson Mark Wilkins; his mother, Carol Wilkins, all of Hoover, Alabama; his sisters, Selena Aull of Roseville, California and Amanda Johnson (Matt) of Birmingham, Alabama; as well as numerous nieces, a nephew, extended family members, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m. followed by Celebration of Life service at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home in Hoover, Alabama.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Michael Burch and the staff at ACG Hospice, Cynthia Bell, Mark's case manager at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Dr. Burt Nabors and the Neuro-Oncology team at UAB, and the many members of the Hoover community who provided love, support, and encouragement throughout Mark's journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the UAB O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center or to the Glioblastoma Foundation.