Mark Daniel Skinner

April 1, 1979 - March 10, 2022

Mark Daniel Skinner, beloved son, brother, uncle, husband, and friend, passed away on March 10, 2022, in Hilton Head, South Carolina, after a hard-fought battle with addiction.

Born in San Francisco, California on April 1, 1979, to Dr. Gregory C. Skinner and Sherie McDonald Davidson, Mark hit the ground running and never seemed to stop, earning the lifelong nickname “Sparky” from his uncle Chad. He was raised in Holladay, Utah, attending Cottonwood Elementary, Olympus Junior High and Olympus High School (class of 1997), where he was a sophomore senator and member of the baseball team. He earned his Eagle Scout award and was an All-Star baseball player, even earning Most Valuable Player of his freshman baseball team in Murrieta, California. Mark was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints holding the office of Elder.

Outside of his hometown of Salt Lake City, Mark spent many years in Las Vegas and, most recently, Hilton Head. Over the last decade he worked for Hilton Head Guest Services as a successful marketing representative in the hospitality industry. An entrepreneur from the age of six, his genuine friendliness and charisma made him a natural salesman. His success in the field was legendary, earning him a reputation as one of the top marketing reps in the country. He is remembered by colleagues as an unusually talented closer and mentor.

Anyone who met Mark is certain to remember his magnetic personality, larger-than-life stature, ear-to-ear smile, and infectious laugh. “A lion with the heart of a teddy bear,” he was a man of genuine warmth and concern for others. Friends knew him for his intelligence, charm, humor, wit, sincerity, and trustworthiness.

A true foody, Mark enjoyed everything from Japanese cuisine and rib eye steaks on the grill to Mexican food and his mom’s lasagna. He was an avid golfer, often rising at 6am to be the first one on the course. He loved Breaking Bad and The Sopranos and watched them over and over. He shared a love of sports with his brother, Brad, cheering for the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, the Boston Celtics, and New England Patriots. Tom Brady came out of retirement the day after Mark passed and we like to think he had something to do with that. His family shares fond memories of vacations together in Lake Powell, Disneyland, and Mexico. On a trip to Washington DC, Mark could not seem to get enough of the history contained in the Smithsonian museums. He loved classic rock music and attended many live concerts.

Everything he did was at full speed and 100% effort. He had a passion for all animals, owning many including dogs, cats, hamsters, fish, and snakes. He loved Christmas, sports, anything purple and his family and friends.

Mark is survived by his wife, Michelle Daughtery, parents Sherie and Gregg Davidson and Gregory and Heidi Skinner, brother Bradley G. Skinner (Melanie), nieces and nephews Sadie, Tyler, Whitney, and Peter, brother Corbin Skinner (Whitney), nephews Greyson and Maverick, and brother Jordan Skinner. He is also survived by a large extended family of beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 29th at 11:00 am at Wheeler Farm in Salt Lake City, Utah (casual attire). He will be laid to rest at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park next to his grandparents, Richard and Lois McDonald. Mark, you are gone too soon, and we will miss you terribly, but we know we will see you again.