Edgar Louis McCormick

Edgar Louis McCormick, of Havelock, North Carolina, passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on March 22, 2026, at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina after battling kidney cancer and dementia. He was born on September 8, 1936, in Harnett County, North Carolina, and was raised on a tobacco farm in Broadway, North Carolina.

Louis attended Benhaven High School before being drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country in Germany.

Over the years, Louis built a life defined by hard work and dedication. He worked as a brick mason, later becoming an over-the-road truck driver who traveled throughout the United States, and eventually served as a welding teacher’s assistant at Craven Community College. No matter where life took him, Louis had a remarkable ability to make a friend everywhere he went.

While traveling the country as a truck driver, Louis met the love of his life, Sandra Dawn Smith. The two were married on September 27, 1983, and shared a deep and devoted love. Louis adored Sandra, and their life together in Havelock brought him great happiness.

A faithful member of First Methodist Church of Havelock, Louis lived a life guided by humility, kindness, and quiet generosity. He was always willing to lend a hand to someone in need, never seeking recognition for the good he did.

Louis loved the outdoors, especially hunting, and he appreciated the simple pleasures in life. He could often be found enjoying a cup of McDonald’s coffee while sharing conversation and laughter with friends. Known for his quick wit and easy sense of humor, he had a gift for making people laugh.

More than anything, Louis loved his family. He especially treasured watching his grandchildren play and spending time with those he loved most.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Dawn Smith McCormick; his children, Roy Louis McCormick, Elizabeth “Page” McCormick and her husband Zachary Martinez, Holly Jimenez and her husband Brian Jimenez, and Samantha “Sam” Boyles; and his grandchildren, Penelope, Felix, Maximus, Veronica, and Dylan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret (Pipkin Cogdell) McCormick and Edgar “Edger” Lee McCormick; his sister, Margaret Elizabeth “Libby” Thompson; son, Doug McCormick; and his grandson, Mason Anthony Steward.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 6:00 pm at First Methodist Church of Havelock, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Durham VA Health Care System by visiting https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/50810087/. The nurses, doctors, and staff who cared for Louis there were truly remarkable, and the Durham VA became like a second home to him and his family during his time of care.

Louis will be remembered for his kindness, humility, quick wit, and the friendships he formed wherever he went. His laughter, generosity, and deep love for his family will live on in the many lives he touched.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Edgard Louis McCormick.