Mark Edmund Needham, age 77, of Ellijay, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Northside Hospital Cherokee.

He was born January 15, 1949, in Lewiston, Maine to the late Donald Omar Needham and Flora Needham of Mechanic Falls, Maine.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Catherine Painter Needham of Ellijay, Georgia; his daughter Pamela Needham Hatfield (Brandon) of Canton, Georgia. He is also survived by his brothers, Gary Needham of Canton, Georgia, and Hank Cook (Kelly) of Canton, Georgia, sister Deborah Needham, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Cochran and brother, Vernon Needham.

Mark attended Pickens High School. He earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Reinhardt College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Brenau College, graduating cum laude.

He served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1972. His service included two tours in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, 1st Brigade, 3rd Battalion, 506th Infantry, Bravo Company, and with the 95th Military Police. He attained the rank of Sergeant and was awarded two Purple Hearts.

Following military service, Mark worked in law enforcement with the Cary Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriff's Department, and Pickens County Sheriff's Department. He spent 25 years with the Cobb County Police Department, serving as Corporal, Detective, and Internal Affairs Investigator. During his tenure, he served as President of Kermit Sanders Lodge 13 (Fraternal Order of Police) and President of the Georgia Auto Theft Intelligence Council. He retired from Cobb County Police in 2006.

After retirement, he worked as an educator with the Cobb County Board of Education. From 2006 to 2016, he taught Criminal Justice at Sprayberry High School and Harrison High School. He retired from teaching in 2016.

The family will be receiving friends at Bernhardt Funeral Home, Ellijay, Georgia, on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Mausoleum Services are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, at Cherokee Memorial Gardens, Canton, Georgia, in the chapel with Rev. Billy Dotson officiating. Military Rites will be rendered by the U.S. Army, with the entombment to follow. Pallbearers will be Herman Painter, Jerry Painter, Larry Mulkey, Brian Hatfield, Brandon Hatfield, and Nathan Painter.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.