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In Memory Of Our Poets

Walter Joseph "Joe" McCorkle, Sr. (1924-2010) - Class Of 1942

McCORKLE, Walter Joseph, Sr. died on Sunday, December 26, 2010. "Joe" was born to the late Jesse Louis and Nancy Lillian McCorkle on October 18, 1924 in Bessemer, Alabama. He graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery and attended The Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) for one quarter before enlisting in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After an honorable discharge in 1946, Joe returned to Auburn to earn a B.S. degree in Industrial Management. While there, he joined Sigma Nu fraternity. Joe was employed as a claims adjuster by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and later as a sales representative for Amana Refrigeration Corporation where he met his devoted wife of 54 years, the late Elizabeth "Betty" Jane Yurick from Sheppton, Pennsylvania. Joe spent most of his career as a manufacturer's representative in the home furnishings industry representing Stanley Furniture Company and others. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his sister, Margaret Conner, and is survived by his brother, Frank McCorkle (Martha Sue); his five children, Joe McCorkle, Jr. (Tammy), Andy McCorkle (Clair), Mary Bradford, Susie Glaze (Kirk), and Bill McCorkle (DeLise); and his 13 grandchildren, Thomson, Molly, Mary Margaret, Andrew, Louis, Elizabeth, Will, Walter, Joy, Katherine, Rachel, Brock, and Sam. Joe will be remembered for his uncanny ability to talk to anyone, his unending sense of humor, love of family and pride in their successes, loyalty as a friend, commitment as a dependable, helpful father and grandfather, appreciation of good food, especially seafood, and his general love of life. The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 from 4:00-6:00 at the St. Peter's Catholic Church parish hall in Montgomery. A memorial service will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 29, 2010. The family will greet guests afterward in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: the Elizabeth Yurick McCorkle Community Studios, Atlantic Center for the Arts, 1414 Art Center Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168, www.atlanticcenterforthear ts.org or the Auburn University Scholarship Campaign, Office of Development, 317 South College Street, Auburn, Alabama 36849, https://develop.auburn.ed u/scholarshipcampaign.