We will celebrate the life of Joseph Henry McCorkle, age 78, on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at 2 p.m. in the Myra Wilson Chapel at City Cemetery in Sulphur Springs, Texas, with David Woody officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Joseph passed away at his home on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, after a long illness. He was born on March 13, 1944, in Greenville, Texas, the son of Henry and Inez McCorkle, who preceded him in death. He married the love of his life and best friend, Mary Lucy Kennemur, on November 22, 1975.
As a young boy and a young man, Joseph accompanied his grandfather, Claude McCorkle, as “Papa” planted several Methodist community churches in the area. He was also active in First Methodist Church. Joseph had Hobby Corner, a shop in his grandmother Baker’s store, where he sold model car and airplane kits along with other toy craft items. There were also fireworks for sale during the holiday season.
Joseph was a graduate of Sulphur Springs High School and Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Following graduation, he served as a Captain in the United States Air Force. His duties included serving as an air traffic controller at Bien Hoa Air Force Base in Vietnam. When he returned to Sulphur Springs, he joined C.H. McCorkle Insurance Company, before opening his own insurance agency.
Joseph was president of the JCs and a member of Rotary, receiving the Paul Harris Award. In 1975, Joseph became a charter member of Community Players, Inc., in Sulphur Springs and was with Peggy Taylor Talent in Dallas for many years. As a member of the Fort Sherman Ranging Company, he participated in many historical reenactments across the state, which included defending the Alamo several times. Joseph was an award-winning trap shooter and loved fishing, hunting and hunting dogs, especially Jughead and Shine. Classical music was his favorite, along with Neil Diamond and The Kingston Trio.
Joseph is survived by Mary Lucy; his sister, Nita Mastin of San Antonio; his nephew, Christopher Mastin of New Braunfels; his niece, Courtney Mastin of San Antonio; numerous cousins; and a multitude of friends.
A special thanks to Dr. Mark Miller, Morissa Bain and Cristi Tyson and staff at Hearts to Hearts Hospice and Visiting Angels, Ava and Bethany.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Community Players, Inc., PO Box 321, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; or Hearts of Life Animal Rescue, PO Box 531, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
Pallbearers will be Ron Bramlett, Tom Sellers, Paul Eddins, Christopher Mastin, Ron Reaves and John Campbell.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Directors, Officers and all Employees of Alliance Bank, all past and present members of Community Players, Inc., Bill Allford, Max Martin, James Stewart and Hank Smith.
Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home.
