Mark Roblin Elam, 73, passed away peacefully on Sunday September 6th. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his accomplished career, his love of travel and joy of gift giving.

Mark was born on August 9, 1953, to the late Dr. Raymond Charles Elam and Margaret "Peggy" Roblin Elam. He grew up in Columbia and after graduating from Dreher High School, he attended the University of South Carolina for his undergraduate and law degrees. During his years at Carolina, he was president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity and became a member of the Gamecock Club. He was a season ticket holder for over 35 years and served on the USC Board of Trustees. His love for the University of South Carolina continued throughout his life, and he spent his last Saturday cheering on his Gamecocks against Kent State with his son Vee.

Mark began his professional career as Assistant Attorney General for South Carolina and later joined the staff of Congressman Carroll Campbell in Washington DC. When Campbell was elected Governor, Mark served as Senior Legal Counsel and later as his Chief of Staff. He continued his career with Carroll Campbell in Washington DC serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of The American Council of Life Insurers. He later worked in state and local government relations for Honeywell and Boeing. In 2018, Governor McMaster appointed Mark as Chairman of the SC DHEC Board where he served until his retirement in 2022.

Throughout his life, Mark cherished his family above all else. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He had a deep appreciation for travel and enjoyed the experiences and memories made along the way. Whether traveling with loved ones, gathering with family at Freeman Beach Week, or sitting in the stands cheering for the Gamecocks with his son Vee, nephew Mark and brother Rick, he found great joy in the people and passions that meant the most to him. His keen wit always left everyone in his presence with a smile.

Mark was predeceased by his parents, his brother Robert, and his nephew Matthew. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Freeman Elam, son Vitaly “Vee” Edmondston Elam, sibling’s John, Karen, Rick (Teresa) and nephew Mark, his cherished namesake. He is also survived by his extended Freeman family who loved him dearly. The family is grateful for the loving and compassionate care he received during his stay at South Bay.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, 2:00 PM, Christ Episcopal Church Cemetery, 2304 Hwy. 17 North, Mt. Pleasant. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the Carolina Yacht Club, 4:00 - 6:00 PM, 50 East Bay Street in Charleston.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mark’s honor to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston, 81 Gadsden Street, Charleston, SC 29401, St. Andrews Church, 440 Whilden Street, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, The Gamecock Club, Rice Athletics Center, 1304 Heyward St., Columbia, SC 29208, or to the USC Law School Scholarship Fund-1A3479 USC Rice School of Law, Office of Development, 1525 Senate Street, Columbia SC 29208.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.