Peyton David McCormick

Peyton David McCormick, 2, the first child of Robert McCormick of Evansville, Ind., and Kelly (Flanagan) McCormick of Marietta, Ga., passed away in the arms of his parents Friday, June 3, 2011, at 1:30 p.m. at his home in Warner Robins, Ga. He was receiving hospice care.

Peyton was diagnosed on September 15, 2010 with a Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. The brain tumor was inoperable. Peyton’s father, Rob, a Technical Sergeant in the United States Air Force, and his family were stationed in New Mexico. Upon learning the news, the McCormicks returned to family surroundings in Georgia where Peyton received treatment at Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta.

Peyton will always be remembered for his laughter, his kindness, and his faithful devotion to his family and friends. He was blessed with courageous and loving parents, as well as a beautiful baby sister, MacKenzie, born June 10, 2010.

He was a boy of many interests. Peyton liked the aquarium and all things aquatic. He nearly fell into a stingray tank in his attempt to pet the slippery fish. In that tradition, he liked to watch the animated movie Finding Nemo. He was also a big fan of turtles, passing by the big cats and even the monkeys at Evansville Mesker Park and Zoo in order to observe the slow-moving terrapins.

He liked the night sky. Among his favorite songs were “I See the Moon, the Moon Sees Me,” and “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” He liked to play ball. He liked to take family walks -- especially if the walk turned into a race.

A big fan of Disney characters, Peyton traveled twice to Disney World via the generosity of Make-a-Wish Foundation and donations from family and friends. On his last visit, Mickey lavished time and attention on Peyton and his baby sister. He happily allowed the mouse to borrow his blanket, which he called his “Deeah,” a rare privilege.

Especially attached to Buzz Lightyear, Peyton loved to hear the words “To infinity and beyond!”

Peyton was baptized into the Christian faith on May 27, 2011. He was raised by his mother and father at home and in church as a believer in Jesus Christ. One of his favorite songs was “Jesus Loves Me.” The story is told of the day that Peyton walked up the steps of a church and knocked on the red door, calling “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!”

Peyton’s story appears on the McCormick’s daily journal at CaringBridge.org. The family is grateful for the thousands of prayers and good wishes from family, friends, and from people around the world.

Surviving are his parents, Robert and Kelly (Flanagan) McCormick; his sister, Mackenzie Christina McCormick; his unborn brother, Connor Wesley McCormick; paternal grandparents, Martha and Mark Coomer, John and Gail McCormick, maternal grandparents Dave and Nancy Flanagan and loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins and great-grandparents.

Visitation will be Monday, June 6, at 10:00 a.m. at the Johnson Ferry Baptist Church sanctuary in Marietta, Ga., with services at 11:00 at the church sanctuary, followed by a graveside service at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Ga.

The family requests plants instead of flowers. Donations may be made to the 2011 Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation Race for Research: Peyton’s Space Rangers.

H.M. Patterson & Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Road, NE, Sandy Springs, Ga 30328, 404-851-9997