Mark John Adamson

Mark John Adamson, 63, a devoted husband and father, died peacefully at the Dunlap Hospice House in Raleigh on November 6, 2024. Mark was born on February 25, 1961, in Singapore to Brian and Mary Adamson during his father’s service in the Royal Air Force. When Mark was three years old, his family relocated to Northern Ireland, where they welcomed Mark’s two younger brothers, Michael in Portrush and Glenn in Coleraine, before settling in Newry. Mark attended Abbey Primary and Grammar Christian Brothers Schools, graduating from Durham University in Durham, England, where he studied Chemical Engineering.

In 1996, Mark accepted a temporary job in Raleigh, NC. While Mark had always wanted to visit the United States, he never planned on living there for long. This all changed when he met the person he called his very best friend, Vickie. Mark and Vickie married in October 1997 and added Gabe to their family in 1999. Even though Mark grew to love North Carolina, he kept his citizenship in his beloved England. After some early career changes, Mark opted for the IT industry where his analytical skills led to a swift progression through various business units he supported.

Mark was Vickie’s main cheerleader and supporter when she ran and was elected to the Wake County Board of Commission in 2018, 2020, and 2022. He proudly wore a name tag when campaigning for his wife: Vickie’s Husband. Mark was an engaged and proud father who always had time for Gabe and his various interests, such as Y Guides and travel robotics. They shared a special bond, having similar careers in computer programming.

Mark was an active and devout member of Highland United Methodist Church and the spiritual leader of his family. He was grateful for the support of his church family, whose visits and words of encouragement during the many years he struggled with his health were very meaningful to him and the entire family.

During Mark’s courageous battle with heart disease and his last battle with leukemia, he never lost his sense of humor or his deep concern for Vickie and Gabe. The family thanks their dear friends who showed up at just the right time during Mark’s health challenges.

Left to cherish Mark’s memory is his mother Mary Spinks Adamson, Thamesmead, London, England; wife Vickie Waugh Adamson, Raleigh, NC; son Gabriel Adamson, Raleigh, NC; brother Michael Adamson (Julie) New Forest, England; brother Glenn Adamson (Shirlene), Abbeywood, London, England; mother-in-law Fairy Keever Stallings, Kernersville, NC; sister-in-law Stephanie Miller (Ty), Troutman, NC; and aunt Averil Wishman (Barry) Bury St. Edmunds, England. Also surviving are nieces Faith Holland (Jacques), London, England; Sarah-Rose Adamson (Paul) London, England; Jenny Adarich (James), Wantage, England; and nephew Jason Adamson, Totton, England; great nephews Jacob Adarich and newly arrived Jem Adarich, Wantage, England.

The family wishes to thank Transitions Life Care for their kind and thoughtful care during the last weeks of Mark’s life. In addition, the family is grateful for the American Red Cross. During Mark’s illnesses, including two open heart surgeries, he was the recipient of many blood transfusions. In gratitude for Mark’s additional time with his family that these donations gave him, the family encourages those who can to donate blood in Mark’s honor.

Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Visitation is Friday, November 15, 2024, from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27604. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11am at Edenton Street United Methodist Church, 228 West Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 and officiated by Rev. Dr. John Tyson and Rev. Kevin Baker. Burial immediately after the service at Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27601.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Red Cross, 100 North Peartree Lane, Raleigh, NC‎, 27610 or to Transitions Life Care, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.