Mark Carlisle

Mark Carlisle announced last week he would be a candidate for director of Twin Lakes Telephone Cooperative, representing Clay County.

Carlisle was born and raised in western Clay County, and is the son of the late Harold and Jewel Smith Carlisle. He has one brother, John David Carlisle, and two sisters, Cheryl Focer and Tanna Short.

Carlisle attended school at Union Hill and Hermitage Springs, and graduated from Tennessee Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1978. Prior to that, he served in the U.S. Army as an Airborne Ranger and received an honorable discharge in 1975.

He is married to the former Marie Anderson of Gainesboro, the daughter of Moline Anderson Howell and the late Leon Anderson, and the sister of Edward “Preacher” Anderson. The couple has six daughters–Melanie (Mike) Rainey, Mandi (Joseph) Conway, Molly (Willie) Mackey, Marki, Morgan and McKenzie Carlisle. 

The Carlisles also have four grandchildren–Mikey, Marissa and Mallorie Rainey and Riley Conway. 

“My family and I are members of the Whitleyville Church of Christ, and live in the Union Hill community of Clay County,” Carlisle said. 

“For the past 24 years, I have owned and operated Allied Wood Products.  As a business owner, I understand the importance of current, up-to-date telecommunications to compete in an ever-changing, fast-paced society,” Carlisle said. “I believe that it is important to modernize rural utilities to maintain cost-effective business and insure customer satisfaction.

“I would like to ask for your vote in the upcoming election,” Carlisle continued. “If elected, I will do my best to work with all the employees and to serve the people of Clay County and the Cooperative.  I will try to see as many people as possible, however, if I fail to see anyone, it is not intentional.  Your support and influence will be greatly appreciated.  If anyone has any questions and would like to call me, I can be reached at 258-3767 (home) or 258-3581 (work).”