Carl Ray Cort

Carl proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, stationed at the Marine Air Station in Oahu, Hawaii—a place he held dear for the rest of his life. While in the service, he played on both the football and baseball teams, embodying the values of teamwork and discipline.

After his honorable service, Carl attended Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, California, where he studied engineering and marketing. His professional journey led him to become a partner and Vice President of Sales at Material Transportation Company in Temple, Texas, where he worked for over 30 years. He often credited his mentor and friend, Bill Jones Jr., for the guidance that shaped his successful career.

In retirement, Carl found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He took great pride in maintaining his yard, caring for his pool, and ensuring his flower gardens were always in full bloom.

Above all, Carl cherished his family. He was a devoted husband to Hilde Cort of Little Rock, Arkansas, with whom he shared 35 years of marriage. He was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, finding his greatest accomplishments not in his professional success but in the love of his family.

He is survived by his wife Hilde of Temple, his son Scot Cort of Iowa, daughter Karen McCrary of Missouri and stepson Lance Graves and wife Mary of Nebraska, grandchildren, Taylor (Jamie) Cort, Mackenzie (Justin) Pethod, Ashlie McCrary, Hailie (Austin) O’Connor, Adam Graves, Austin Graves, and Amanda Graves, and great-grandchildren, Gavin Cort, Telea Cort, Raelyn Darnell, Annie Pethod, and Willie Pethod.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Carl’s primary caregiver, Marvin Green, whose compassion and dedication made a profound impact in Carl’s final weeks, treating him not just as a patient but as family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 14th from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Cultural Activities Center 3011 North 3rd St Temple TX 76501. Flowers or donations in Carl’s memory may be made to the CAC by visiting www.cacarts.org

Carl R. Cort will be remembered for his unwavering pride in his country, his deep love for his family, and the gentle care he took in everything he did.