Mark Anthony Lillard-Hite

Mark Anthony Lillard-Hite, "Big Mark", was born into the world sleeping on Aug. 23, 1993, to Terry Hite and Martha Ann Lillard in Urbana, Illinois. On Thursday, Sep. 26, 2019, at the age of 26, Big Mark passed away sleeping at his home in Davenport, Iowa, which he shared with his friends and two of his business partners, Zach and Adam Hendershot.

Mark graduated from Urbana High School, where he enjoyed playing sports. He was very active in track and field, wrestling and the football team, where he received many medals and awards. As a sophomore, he received "The Lineman of the Year" award that would normally be given to a senior. After graduating high school, Mark attended Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, on a partial football and academic scholarship, where he majored in Mass Communication.

Upon returning to Urbana, Mark loved working with electronics, which led to work at Radio Shack. He later learned sales experience from AT&T, where he became one of the top sales associates. After deciding to return to Iowa, Mark found his love in real estate. Mark and many of his friends started "The Good Real Estate" and"Good Property Management" companies, which led to the amazing partnership with "Realty ONE Group: Opening Doors".

As a youth, Mark enjoyed attending Stone Creek Church and attending Youth Explosions with Pastor Ricky. He enjoyed playing videos games, listening to music, and working out. In his spare time, Mark enjoyed making people laugh and feel good about themselves. He was always in good spirits and wanted the best out of life for himself and others.

Mark leaves behind to cherish his memory his parents, Martha Lillard and Terry Hite; his beautiful girlfriend Jessica Chavez; two sisters: Aqueena Lillard of Urbana, Illinois, and Teaira Johnson (Dennis Johnson) of Fort Bragg, North Carolina; one niece, Vanessa Lillard; three nephews: Cameron, Jeremiah and Josiah Johnson; three special best friends/brothers: Derek Brown Jr., Elijah (Kate)Grant, and Terrin Harris; his favorite aunt, Shirley Spriggs; a host of aunts, uncles and cousins; an extended family: Mrs. Jonella and Mr. Derek Brown, who served as a second set of parents to him; Debbie and Stan.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

A Celebration of Life will commence at 12:00 noon, Thursday, October 10, at Stone Creek Church, 2502 S. Race St. Urbana. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Officiating Pastor Ricky Spindler.

Leek and Sons Funeral Home, 1215 West Bradley Ave., Urbana, IL. in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mark Anthony Lillard-Hite, please visit our floral store.