William "Billy" Eugene McCorkle

Born on July 1, 1963 to Jaqueline “Jackie” Johnson and Paul Eugene McCorkle in Charlotte NC, William grew up in the Thomasboro neighborhood. He completed his education in CMS having attended Thomasboro and Berryhill Elementary Schools, North West Jr. High School, (now known as North West School of the Arts) and Harry P. Harding School, (now known as Harding University High School). William graduated from Harry P. Harding High School on June 11, 1982. His studies at Harding included graphic arts and the VICA ICT program, that entailed a work program in which he participated in his Senior year of high school.

On June 12, 1982 William married Sharlene Wright, his high school sweetheart. He and she met and began dating in the Harding High School cafeteria in the 10th grade in 1979. To their union in marriage was born three sons and two daughters. Sharlene fought right alongside William in his battle with Pancreatic Cancer having stayed by his side to the end. She has said, “He would do the same for me.”

William was known as having a strong work ethic and for his hard work and provision for his family. William began his working career at age 15, working under Mr. Keith Thompson washing Bell South trucks each weekend. From there he went forward working for George Martin Construction, in his junior year of high school. Following this was the work in the work program from high school.

Near the end of William’s senior year of high school, he secured a job with the Crown Service Station on Freedom Drive. After marriage William began his work at Carolina Paper Board where he started out working “the boxes” and worked up to the head beaterman position. He was at that job for 20 years. Following this he worked for Queen Audio Video and Appliances for six years.

In 2006 William moved into his current job at DTI. That work began through a staffing company, after 10 years of working through this staffing company, he was hired on with the DTI where he remained until his illness overtook him in September of this year, a total of 15 years.

William was dedicated to his family and being very involved in his children’s lives. From their early ages, he helped them with homework and listened to their nightly reading, often making it so fun that they hardly knew they were learning. As the children joined school sports and cheerleading, their Dad never missed a game - be it at home or away, he was always in attendance in support of them. He loved his children and spent many moments teaching them life lessons, many talks, but also much by example.

William made the greatest decision of his life in May of 2005, when he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and began to work for the Lord exerting as much effort as in his secular work. He drove a church bus transporting adults and children to church for 15 years as well as driving in a bus in ministry for the homeless and those of multicultural ministries in the evenings on Sundays for several years. He also served as a church usher. Most of all, he was a faithful church member at Promised Land Baptist Church in Gastonia, NC since 2008.

William was preceded in death by his sons, William and Vernon “Blaine” McCorkle; by his father; Paul Eugene McCorkle; and stepfather, Kenneth Frank Taylor.

He is survived by his wife, Sharlene Wright McCorkle; daughter, Rebekah Paredes (Cesar); daughter, Mary Munguia (Roberto); and son, Stephen McCorkle (Kristina); as well as his grandchildren, Liliana, Kamila, Julieta, and Lukas Munguia, Zoe, Rachel Paredes, and Tucker McCorkle.

He is also survived by his mother, Jackie Taylor; brother, Andy Taylor; sister-in-law, Tina Jenkins (Steve); his niece, Tabatha, and great nephew, Eli; and several aunts, uncles and cousins; as well as his loving church family and dear friends from work and school.

William’s family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 18th at Promised Land Baptist Church, 1024 Old Modena St, Gastonia, NC 28052 followed by a service to celebrate his life at 2:00 p.m.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Promised Land Baptist Church Building Fund, MDA, or PWSA-USA.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael B. Friedland as his Primary Care Physician for 20 years. Dr. Friedland was not only his doctor but a friend. We are so thankful for his positivity and encouragement through the years. We are also thankful to Dr. Reza, a very dedicated Oncologist who provided extra study on William’s case and compassionate care.

Thanks go, as well, to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, and to the nurses there, Sarah his primary nurse was very compassionate and helpful. Many thanks to Mr. Martin who provided the donation of a full grocery cart to our family in November.

Condolences may be offered at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.