Cory was born on July 20, 1970 in Bartow, Florida to Annie Marie Smith and Dave Whatley, Jr. From an early age, Cory was raised by Emanuel and Josie James in Wilmington, NC. Cory was predeceased by both sets of his parents and one sister, Angela “Poochie” Propst.
Cory attended New Hanover County schools, and in 1989 he graduated from New Hanover High School where he was a star athlete in football and track. Cory held New Hanover High School’s records in both the high jump and triple jump for decades. Until his health declined, he continued to work out and stay fit. His love for sports led him to coach the Pop Warner 49ers football team from 2003-2005.
After graduating from high school, Cory began a career in trucking, retiring from Pepsi after 27 years. He continued working in the trucking industry until 2024. His career in trucking spanned more than 30 years. During this time, he also returned to the classroom to earn his AA in Criminal Justice from Cape Fear Community College in 2017.
Whether you knew him as Cory, Coco, or Bean, he was consistently his authentic self. Cory was non-conforming and he unapologetically stood in his truth. He was a giving person and often helped others.
Although his awards and accolades are commendable, Cory’s greatest legacy is his family with whom he enjoyed spending time and who will remember him for being a loving husband, doting father and grandfather, protective brother, and loyal friend. Cory is survived by his wife Mia Fuller; his children, Sierra Fuller, Raymond Fuller, Malcolm Fuller (Titiana), and Cortney Jenkins; his grandchildren, Nola Fuller, Milo Fuller, and Casidee Jenkins. Cory also leaves to cherish his memory 17 brothers and sisters, Curtis Smith, Larry Fuller, Zachary James (Yvonne), Emanuel James Jr., Daphine James, Roderick James (Shirlene), Terry James, Audrey James, Marietta James, Marcellus James all of Wilmington, NC, Angela James of Asheville, NC, Sonya Ajayi (Joshua) of Miami, FL, Lisa J. Walker (Kelvin), Kathy James, Karen J. Fennell (Azeral), Kenneth James all of Wilmington, NC, James Ted Price (Verranda) of San Antonio TX; a father-in-law, Horace E. Morris and brother-in-law, Michael Morris, of Claymont, DE; two sisters-in-law, Marcella Smith (Robert) of Mays Landing, NJ, and Monica Lewis (Samuel) of Kernersville, NC; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Cory will be held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Friday, May 3,2024 at Coble Funeral & Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1155 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, North Carolina 28412.
Memorial Service will follow at 1:00 PM.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.coblegreenlawn.com
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