Coach Mark Lee Fischer
Jun 14, 1964 – Feb 17, 2019
Coach Mark Lee Fischer, 54 of Louisa County, finished the glorious race set forth for him by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the evening of Sunday, February 17, 2019.
Mark left an indelible legacy of pride, strength, commitment, and toughness for those who knew and loved him to cherish forever. His passion for coaching, his love for the Louisa community, and his desire to positively impact the lives of those around him will shine on forever!
Those left to carry on Mark’s legacy are his beloved and devoted wife, Pamela Hope Fischer; their children, daughter Mackenzie Leigh and son Troy Joseph, of Mineral, his parents, Fred and Virginia Fischer of Louisa,; his siblings, Kate Fischer Bir and her husband, Tom and their children, Hope and Drew of Raleigh, NC; his uncle and aunt, Roy and Marilyn Self of Pilot Point, TX; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Delmer and Shirley Blankenship of Biasden, WV; his brothers-in-law, Rodney Blankenship (Kim) of Wharncliffe, WV, and Darrick Blankenship (Rebecca) of Louisville, TN; his two loving nieces, Ashton Hope Walls (Jon) of Wharncliffe, WV, and Briley Hope Blankenship of Louisville, TN; his great-nephew, Jenson Wade Walls. Mark was preceded in death by grandparents, George and Alma Fischer of Fall River, MA, and Roy and Mary Self of Arlington, TX.
Mark’s earthly race began in Corpus Christi, TX on June 14, 1964. Mark graduated from Mills E. Godwin High School in 1983. He played college football at Concord University in Athens, WV, where he graduated with a Business Degree in 1990. Mark’s calling in life was as a football coach, teacher, and mentor. Mark began his coaching career in Henrico County by serving on the coaching staff at Brookland Middle School and Henrico High School. He also served as the head coach at Armstrong High School in Louisa. In what would become his dream job, Mark became the head coach at Louisa County High School in 2003. In 12 seasons with the program, the Lions won 96 games, completed three undefeated seasons, won five Jefferson District championships, and appeared in the state championship game in 2006 and 2017. From 2011 to 2014, Mark served as the head coach at St. James High School in Myrtle Beach, SC. The Fischer family will always cherish their time as a member of the Shark family. Mark was named Jefferson District Coach of the Year six times by his peers (2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2017). He was named the Virginia Coach of the Year by the Associated Press in 2006. The field at Louisa County High School was also dedicated as The Mark L. Fischer Field in 2017, and honor for which Mark was eternally grateful.
Mark courageously battled multiple myeloma for seven years. During that time, he inspired thousands of people worldwide with his will to live. Mark’s fight became his platform to motivate the masses, and ultimately, the path to a redeeming relationship with his Creator.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 23 at New Life Community Church. Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Mark L. Fischer Legacy Fund, which will help student-athletes at Louisa County Public Schools achieve their dreams. Contributions should be made payable to the “Louisa Education Foundation” with “Fischer Scholarship” on the memo line. Contributions should be mailed to The Louisa Education Foundation, P.O. Box 130 Mineral, VA 23117.
Mark has fought his good fight, he has kept his faith, and he has finished his race. Mark transcended each challenge that met him – both on and off the field – through his unwavering determination to Run Through It. Mark will forever be known for having the will of a warrior, and the heart of a lion.
Pam, Mackenzie and Troy,
My deepest sympathy for each of you. I met you all at my mother-in-law’s house, Sara Marchman, one year at Garden City Beach. We are all so sadden to hear about Mark . You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. We pray that God will wrap His Loving Arms around each of you to guide you, to comfort you and to give you strength in the days ahead. It is such an honor to know all of the lives that Mark touched in a positive way. He is your guardian angel keeping watch over each of you. Cherish your love and memories of him. We will continue to keep you all in our prayers.
Pam McKenzie Troy and all his beloved family on and off the field my thoughts and prayers are with you all and my heart is sadden but he is the angel in heaven know that we all knew and loved when he walked on Earth love you all God please comfort all that are mourning in the days and months to come💚💛
While I will be unable to make it to the service, please know that I am holding you all in God’s light. He was a good man and we were honored to have him in our Louisa family.
Coach Fischer & his family have helped to bring a feeling of community to Louisa that has never existed before. He will be greatly missed by so many & will leave a void that cannot be filled. May God wrap his loving arms around your grieving family to comfort you.
Pam, Love, prayers ~ may God’s hedge of Peace surround you, MacKenzie and Troy. Mark was an amazing man surrounded by an amazing wife and family. Keeping you all close in my heart and prayers. Love in Christ, Barbie.
Coach Fisher was a great and amazing man he will always be loved and remembered we will all miss him dearly prayers for the family rest in peace coach
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He was a great man and great coach and he will be greatly missed
Sending you so much love and prayers during this time!!!
My Coach. Fischer!!!!!! Truly missed. Prayers for wife and children, Pam, Mackenzie and Troy in this time. Such a loving family. I’m grateful to have been on the field with Coach for 5 years. I admire and appreciate his wisdom and dedication. Lions for Life. May he Rest In Peace. Lord knows we are all grieving. Love you Coach Fischer. . . I’ll Never forget you!
I am so sorry to hear about Coach. I will be praying for your family. Coach Fischer impacted so many people with a life well spent. His memory and spirit will live on in our community.
Pam, Mackenzie and Troy, know that the Stilley family is lifting you in prayer. It was always a joy watching Coach on the field, in his element. His kindness and leadership will live on through you.
In Christian Love, Shannon Stilley Arthur
We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Mark indeed personified a life well lived and loved by many. God Bless Tom & Lori
Much love Coach. See you on the other side. Thanks for everything.
Mark Fischer was a wonderful man ,who gave his all to everyone he met. He made a huge impact on my family when my nephew was playing for him. He will be greatly missed. Sending our love and prayers to ms. Fischer and all the family.
Pam, Mackenzie, Troy, Virginia, and Fred (and so many others), please know you are loved and are a part of a family that is without borders. You each live as a legacy of the man we affectionately called “Fish.” He will forever inspire, just as he did on and off the field. He will forever serve to remind us of the value of living a life of which you can be proud. He will forever remind us that every choice and action can move us closer to being the person we want to be. He will forever be our coach and I will be forever grateful to call him my friend.
Coach Fisher you were always an inspiration to us all .on and off the field.May you rest in peace.God bless you’re family.Thanks for all you did for Louisa.
Coach you we’re always there for us players and you will be greatly missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys as you mourn the loss of a great man, husband, father, and coach. Thank you Coach for all you did and I know you will be watching over your family and all of your players.
Miss Pam, Mackenzie and Troy I am so sorry for your loss. He will forever be in your hearts and now your guardian angel. I am thinking of you all during this difficult time. Love, Nancy Kracke
To the Fischer family, you all have my deepest sympathy. I am so sorry for your loss. This is a great loss to the community. God makes no mistakes and we can’t question him. He is in a better place, where there is no more pain and no more suffering. We all can keep Mark alive in our hearts and remember the memories we all shared. Look at all of the hearts he have touched. Mark was a great man. Rest In Peace Coach Mark Fischer. Until we meet again. Rest Easy.
Rest peaceful coach. Prayers with your family 🙏
He was a great Coach and a great leader
Coach, Thanks for the memories. Pam and kids, I cherish all the great memories sitting in the football stands on Friday nights. I still remembet us passing Troy around in the stands. You had built in babysitters at the games. Mark made Louisa Football something for all of us to be proud of. I remember seeing people at games that I had never seen at a football game before. Some even came in wheel chairs. He surely left his ‘Mark’ in Louisa. Louisa will always take care of you and the kids, we love you.
Pam, Mackenzie, and Troy, I am so sorry for your loss. Mark was inspirational, and a man that wore his heart on his sleeve. He loved his family as well as his Louisa family and the Louisa family loved him. He will be missed by so many. He touched so many lives with his presence. He was a great mentor, friend, teacher, father, husband, and BEST coach ever. May God comfort and give you strength during this difficult time. Love you all. RIP Mark you will never be forgotten.
Pam, Mackenzie, and Troy, I am so sorry for your loss. Mark was such a nice guy back in our college days at Concord. It comes as no surprise to me that he lived his life with courage, determination and purpose. I’m so happy for him that he had the amazing love and support in his life from the three of you and all of his family and friends. Sending you much love and praying for comfort for the days ahead.
Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. May memories comfort you at this difficult time.
Dearest Pam, Mackenzie, and Troy, Our hearts are with you all, and we are thinking of you and praying for each one of you. We are so very sorry for your loss and heartache. Coach Fischer was so dear to the hearts of so many, and his love for his family, life, and the game will live on. Sending our love, hugs, and prayers as God holds you all so very close. We love you💗
Pam, And family My heart is heavy Mark was a great man and coach. I was so glad we all went out the last time you were in MB May god bless you all. I am here for you all.
We are so sorry for your loss! Sending love and prayers to all. Coach you will never be forgotten and thank you so much for all you did for my son and all the other youth in Louisa that have touched. We will always remember the great times together and the fun we had with you and the 🦁 Lions 🙏🙏🙏
To Pam, Mackenzie, Troy and the rest of Marks family. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your father, husband, son and friend and mentor to all will never be forgotten. His heart, his strength and his passion will live on in others every day. He has touched so many lives. Love and prayers to each of you. Gods love and peace to each of you.
As all of our hearts are saddened for the loss of such a great man we also hold you Pam, Mackenzie, Troy and all family and friends in love and prayer. Mark gave my children courage, support and tough love when needed both on and off the field. His will be a memory not forgotten. We love you Coach, we love you all. 🦁💚💛 RRRRROOOOAAAAARRRR
Pam, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mark lived doing what he loved most, and I know he touched the lives of many young men. He helped these men mature into the leading contributors of their community, and for that, they are forever grateful for calling him Coach.
You will always be the Coach of the Lions you made that team the greatest we have ever had you can RIP now 💔 coach will Patrick will keep it going
Pam, MacKenzie and Troy, Praying for God’s peace and comfort for each of you during this time! Love, Marsha
Never knew a greater Man and Coach, who even on the opposition, inspired me to be a Better Man. Much Love and Prayers. Though I am deeply saddened by your loss, I Rest in Faith that I will see you in the Ultimate “Victory Lane”. #RTI Coach Jim Hall
My deepest sympathy for the family and friends of Coach Mark. We will never get used to losing our loved ones in death because as Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, we were created with everlasting life in view. But may you find comfort in knowing that Almighty God has promised that soon he will swallow up death forever along with the pain that it brings. (Isaiah 25:8) As you’re aware God has also promised that he will return Coach Mark to you as it says at John 5:28,29. Please accept my sincere condolences during these difficult times. You are welcome to learn more on this and any other Bible based topic at JW.org.
The thoughts and prayers of the Liberty HS football family in Bedford are with the Fischer family during this time of loss. It was a pleasure to get to know Mark as a coach and as a friend. His energy and enthusiasm was evident to everyone around the sport of football, and his courageous battle with cancer showed the kind of strength he possessed. God Bless you!
Pam, Mackenzie and Troy our prayers are with Mark, you and your family. If you need any help in the community please let us know. God be with you.
Praying for Pam and his whole family!! Much love, The Cline Family, Gilbert WV Patrick, Teresa, Ashton, Ashia, Paige 💔❤️🙏🏼
Prayers for comfort and peace during this time. You are loved.
Pam and children Mark and I were at JR Tucker together and he was one of my best friends!!! I will pray for you all. I can not begin to imagine your loss.
May the Good Lord continue to keep your family through this tough time. Fish, I appreciate you taking a chance on me over 10yrs ago and for always asking/thinking of my wife and daughter. Ms. Pam, Troy and Kenzie – the Stanleys are only 1 phone call away.
This too, shall pass…
Coach Stanley
My thoughts and prayers are with the Fischer family, Mark fought a long tough battle and is now at rest.
Dear Family ,Thinking of you and hoping your memories of special times bring you comfort. Cheryl Lightfoot
Dear Pam and Family, Ted and I are sadden to hear of Mark’s passing. Just know that this was just a stopping place, a pause in what’s to be,a resting place along the road, to sweet eternity. God gave us all different journeys, but we were not put here to stay. Coach walked the journey that God designed for him and now he claims a great reward. He now have everlasting peace with his God.
To the Fischer Family my god help you through the difficult days ahead. Know that Coach is always with you in your hearts ♥️. RIP Coach Fischer, you touched so many young people’s lives. Gone but never forgotten.
Tracy Shiflett (Athletic Secretary Monticello High School)
Pam, Mackenzie, and Troy During this difficult time may God comfort you with peace and give you the courage in the days to come in facing the loss of a wonderful husband and dad. May your hearts be filled with many loving memories that will comfort each of you for all the days to come.
Pam, Mackenzie and Troy our prayers are with you and your families. Our hearts are saddened by Mark’s passing. May your days be brighter as time passes.
Twyman and Diane Hunt
Witnessing your family’s faith during Mark’s last few challenges has been inspirational to my family and to so many others. Pam, Mark’s strength and love will live on as you, Mackenzie, Troy & your family face the days ahead and choose to “Run Through It.” ✝️🙏 Biki & family
Prayers for your entire family and gratitude for having my life impacted so positively and profoundly by Mark, despite having never met him. A few friends and I followed the Lions 2017 campaign and while doing so grew closer in part due to Mark’s story and faith. Without knowing it, he helped me tremendously and I am grateful. Just thought you should know.
I’m so saddened by the loss of you Coach Fischer you made a lasting impact on Alot of people in this community your legacy will live on forever you will be dearly missed , prayers for Pam , McKenzie , and Troy god bless y’all ,
Prayers to you and your family Coach. You were a very big role model in my athletic career. Aside from my own father you were one of the greatest men I ever had the pleasure of meeting. You made everyone feel welcomed and never let a lion fail. Rest In Peace Coach, you will be missed dearly.
Sincerely, The Bodkins Family
Mark was one of these guys that was completely in his element coaching kids. From the first practice that he walked out onto the field and starting hootin’ and hollarin’ at our young guys on the BMS football team – it was easy to recognize that he was made to be a football coach. Little did we know at the time all the lives that he would positively impact over the next 20+ years – from driving kids home from practice each night at Armstrong all the way to creating a legacy in Louisa – with time spent elsewhere in between, this guy was loved everywhere he went…clearly he found his calling. Mark was 100% invested and it was clear that he loved doing it. All along, I don’t know that I have ever met a wife as proud and supportive of her husband as Pammy – with two great kids, I wish them all peace and comfort in knowing Mark’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he positively impacted.
I’m going to miss Mark a lot. He was a wonderful friend to have and a wonderful person to know. My fondest memory will always be one afternoon at LCHS when I was holding practice with the Juggling Club, Mark was in the neighborhood, and I knew he could ride a unicycle. So I asked him to show off his unicycle talent to the juggling kids and he did it! He was a sensation and I caught it on video. Nobody deserved to have a football stadium named after him any more than Mark. Farewell, Mark, and I hope you get the angels organized up there and teach them the single wing.
Dear Fischer Family,
I am writing to express my condolences. While words fail to capture the pain of losing a loved one, we look forward to the time when words will fail to capture the JOY of having our heavenly Father return your dear one to you. The Bible offers words of comfort at 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 were it says in part, “the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, comforts us in all our trials.” May you all find comfort in knowing that your dear one is safe in the memory of God, who will remember every detail about him and reunite him with you all again.
My Deepest Sympathy
For more words of consolation, please visit the following website: http://www.jw.org
Pam, Mackenzie, Troy and family, May the Lord comfort each of you every day. A life well lived speaks of Coach Fischer….what a blessing for you all as his legacy lives on forever. Blessings.
I love you, Coach! An outstanding man you were. I have the highest level of respect and honor for you. Thank you and for always believing in me! Even in some of my darkest moments you always provided an encouraging word. I love you Fischer family. You all are the definition of what a strong bond looks like in a family. I will never forget you, Coach. Your legacy will forever live. Thank you for teaching me (a girl!) the game of football.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. He was an amazing person and great mentor. He will truely be missed. Hugs!!!!
Pam, Mackenzie, Troy, and extended Fischer family, May you find peace knowing that Mark is at peace. He will be missed, but please hold tight to all of the memories – those you will have FOREVER. He loved you and, because of you… he ran through it… Thoughts, prayers, love, and hugs, John, Shannon, Johnnie, Ben, & Olivia
Thoughts and prayers from the Turner Ashby Knights Football Team. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Such a great man to watch teach and mold young athletes and students. You will be greatly missed by all that had the pleasure to know him.
How does one begin to express the gratitude of emotion for Coach Fischer? He who has touched & kindled the lives of so many…. A man of enormous grit & integrity (bestowed with a quick & earnest boyish grin). A man with a true steadfast evolving purpose & vision. A man that included & invited all to join & participate (regardless of limitations or disabilities). Hard work, dedication, perseverance….all describe how Coach Fischer lived as well as what he imparted to those he coached & mentored. He was a true leader (the best “Rally On” organizer Louisa County has ever had)! Remember the camaraderie & joy of laughter he evoked….His boundless energy!! May the legacy of his “Special Spirit” live on and through the lives of all those he touched. May his family be blessed with the “forever memories” of their dynamic & loving son, husband, father, brother, uncle. As written before….it’s not how long one lives but the quality of your life on earth….make each day count….make your “MARK” known….in honor of & tribute to Coach Fischer.
Sweet Mackenzie, , I am deeply saddened by the passing of your father. May Our Lord hold you and your family and comfort you in this difficult time . In my thoughts and prayers, Kate Sandy
May you Rest In Peace coach my deepest condolences to the Fischer family
Pam, MacKenzie, Troy and all of the Fischer and Blankenship family, I extend my deepest sympathies to you all. Mark became such a pillar in the community and was a great friend to all he met. To many, he was like a father. It was amazing to see how much Coach was loved and admired by so many young men. I can only imagine the pain you all are experiencing as a family because of this loss. We receive some wonderful comfort at Psalm 46:1 which says, “God is our refuge and strength, A help that is readily found in times of distress.” Our Creator has promised that he will help us through situations like this. He also has given us a hope for the future. Revelation 21:4 states, “He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” We can look forward to a time where we will be reunited with our loved ones again, in beautiful conditions here on earth as promised. I pray this hope can bring some comfort to you all. Coach will continue to stay on our minds and in our hearts. Prayers for all of you will continue as well.
To the Family Of Coach Mark Fischer, (Pam & Family)
My deepest sympathy, extended condolences and prayers are with each of you during this bereavement.
They say that one’s life is their testimony, and I strongly believe that Coach Fischer’s life and works on this earth have spoken for him. His ability to come to Louisa High School and inspire so many young students (men and women) within the classrooms and athletic fields because of his own courage, faith and strength, despite his own battle made him special and in a class alone.
Because of all of the above, his legacy will always be remembered by those who lives he touched.
Family, keep the faith and trust God!
Deepest sympathy and prayers,
Deacon Jose A. Brown Retired- USSS/PPD