Mark Allen Snuggs, 69, passed away peacefully after a sudden illness following a battle with cancer on Monday, August 3, 2026, in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at UNC Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Mark was born on June 3, 1957, in Hamlet, North Carolina, to Ella Rea Snuggs and Billy Frank Snuggs and was raised in Wilmington, North Carolina. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 46 years, Robbie Snuggs; his son, Jason Snuggs, and daughter-in-law, Shelby Snuggs; his daughter, Rachel Hayes, and son-in-law, Joey Hayes; his two precious grandchildren, Oaklyn Snuggs and Hank Allen Snuggs and one grand furbaby, Marley Hayes; his sister, Donna Arrants, and brother-in-law, Stephen Arrants; his brother-in-law, Bob Register; and his sister-in-law, Karen Register.

Mark graduated from New Hanover High School in 1975, UNC Wilmington in 1979, and the UNC Chapel Hill School of Public Health in 1999. He proudly served as a public servant with the State of North Carolina Office of Rural Health for more than 30 years, providing critical data analysis to support underserved communities across the state.

Mark was a devoted fan of UNC Tar Heels basketball, football, and baseball. He also loved spending time at the beach, where he especially enjoyed oyster roasts and shrimp boils with his family.

Mark was known for his warm smile, quick wit, and being "sneaky smart." Little kids often wondered if he was Santa Claus.

A visitation will be held on August 23 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Captain John's Seafood in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The family will have a private memorial ceremony at a later date.