Douglas McCorkle

Obituary For Douglas McCorkle

Douglas Norris McCorkle was born on February 2, 1963 in Mount Holly, NC to the late Helen Cassell McCorkle and Frank McCorkle.

He started his life with instinctive determination to work hard and be successful.

He attended Mt. Holly/Ida Rankin Elementary schools. While attending Mt. Holly Jr. High, Doug played football, baseball and basketball. He loved team sports. During his time at East Gaston Sr. High, he was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was on the football and track teams.

Doug also played American Legion Baseball. His love for baseball never wavered. When he arrived at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (NCA&TSU) he decided to take a shot at the game on the collegiate level and was invited to walk onto the team. Doug graduated from NCA&TSU in 1985 with a B.S. degree in Business. He loved being an Aggie and always displayed his “Blue and Gold Aggie Pride”. Doug’s college years gifted him with more close life-long friends who will miss him dearly. He was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan for life and always enjoyed a good cigar.

While in college he met and later married Valerie D. Knowlin on September 19th, 1987. From this union two little girls were born Maya Elizabeth McCorkle and Joy Marie McCorkle. The girls were apples of their father’s eye. In 1988 Douglas was initiated into York Rite King Solomon Lodge #14 under the leadership of his godfather, the memory of his great-grandfather, and a host of his family and friends. He also loved to sing with the Grace A.M.E. Zion Church Men’s Chorus in Charlotte, NC where he was a member. Doug also served over the years in both Burge Memorial United Methodist Church and Shiloh A.M.E. Zion Church in Mt. Holly, NC.

Everyone knew TAILGATING was the highlight of the year at his college alma mater, NC A&T SU’s football games. He was up with the roosters to prepare; excited to fellowship, share laughter, love, food and more great memories. His famous tailgate spot behind the Bryan Fieldhouse was the place to see everybody. His “ride or die” tailgate partner for several years was Dominique “Demo” Vaughn. Their special bond produced D&D Productions, a deejaying business that took them all over the Triad area. For years Doug was a season football ticket holder and Aggie Athletic Foundation donor.

Doug was Senior Plant Manager at Hanesbrands, Inc. in Winston Salem, NC for 23+ years after working several years for TJMaxx Distribution Center and Northern Hydraulics in Charlotte, NC.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Franconia McCorkle Griffa and Flonnie M. Shipp.

Doug leaves to cherish his memory wife, Valerie Knowlin McCorkle; daughters, Maya E. McCorkle and Joy M. McCorkle; brothers, Tyrone Steele (Beverly) and Franklin Keith McCorkle (Michele); sister, Pamela McCorkle Buncum (Kelvin); brother-in-law, Victor Knowlin; Clifton Griffa; nephews, Thomas Griffa, Omari Buncum, (Charity), Bakari Buncum; nieces, Kelsey McCorkle, Hayley McCorkle, Tayjon Poteat, Danielle Steele, Tanisha Martin (Kamora Cassius); great-nephew, Tyler Poteat, Desmond Buncum; great-nieces Destiny Holt (Malani and Malayah), Raven Poteat, Leigh Sonia Buncum, Emerald Faith Bright; goddaughter, Errica Williams, godson, Donovan Gregory; a special life-long friend/brother since birth, Andra Buchanan; special sister/friend Carol Hill Williams; extended family and close friends.

Memorial graveside service on Saturday; October 1, 2022 at West Creek Cemetery, Mt. Holly