Billy "Corky" Jon McClure

Corky grew up in Texarkana and graduated from Liberty Eylau High School in 1964. After High School, He worked at Cooper Tire in production for 31 years. He served as a Union Steward and Sergeant of Arms. He happily retired at the age of 50. After retirement, he enjoyed hauling cattle for Phil Alford Farms for many years while he also “played” in his shop.

Corky was a skilled craftsman. He loved to build things for people. He made countless swings, rocking horses, baby cradles, and many other things. He also loved to fish, shoot his bow, and squirrel and coon hunt with his uncle, Lloyd Nelson, as a boy.

Corky always put the needs of others before his own. It was his dream after retirement to build a house and he accomplished just that. Home was his favorite place to be. He was so proud to show his house off to anyone who came to visit him. His favorite thing to do was to sit on one of his many porch swings, with a cup of coffee, and visit. He truly took the time to enjoy his family, friends, and God’s creation. He loved spending time with people.

Corky was a member of Trinity Baptist Church where he enjoyed teaching Sunday School.

Corky was preceded in death by his parents, Clara and Garth McClure, grandparents, John and Elizabeth Sewell and Eben and Ollie McClure, in-laws John Wesley and Leva Suggett and many aunts and uncles who played a special role in his upbringing.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patsy Suggett McClure, children, Lisa and David Miller, Sherri and Buddy Giles, Billy and Kelli McClure, Jon and Meredith McClure, and Cindy and Joel Miller, grandchildren, Jaci and Lanse Stephens, Breana and Preston Kelso, Hunter and Katie McClure, Brent Wells, Hayden McClure, Alex Giles, Mason Giles, Madison Giles, Macie McClure, Caleb McClure, Quinn McClure, and Collin McClure, 8 great grandchildren, Aiden, Lily, Sylas, Beckham, Olive, Luca, Kade, Sheperd, and Sophia, two brothers, Garth “Butch” McClure, and Jimmy Don and Lawanna McClure, special family friends, John Paul and Margaret Coleman and Ardel and Mary Ann Vann, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and many other close friends and relatives that he loved dearly.

Corky made the decision to donate his body to medical science to help in the study of medical research. His wishes were not to have a funeral but for all of his family and friends to gather for a time of fellowship and storytelling. A celebration of his life will take place Saturday, July 8th, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church in Texarkana, AR. His family hopes you will be able to attend and have a story about Corky to share