Gene E. McCorkle

Gene was known for his joyful spirit, kind heart, his ability to recall facts and his love of collecting just about anything that sparked his interest. He brought warmth and positivity to those around him and will be deeply missed.

He was born in China Grove, to the late Edward Ralph McCorkle and Rachel Elizabeth Bost. Gene was a proud graduate of China Grove High School and Gaston Technical Institute.

He was a longtime member of Landmark Church in Salisbury, where he found faith, community, and fellowship.

Gene’s career took him from General Electric in Lynchburg, Virginia, to Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was there that he met the love of his life, Darlene Ellen. Together, they built a life rooted in faith and love. Eventually he returned home to China Grove. Gene continued his service as a medical technician at the VA Hospital in Salisbury. Even after retirement, he remained active in his community, driving a school bus for Rowan County Schools and Rowan Transit.

Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Darlene, who passed on April 14, 2021.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Sahria Weast, Cochoan Jackson, Kristen Charles (Bill), and Karla Worley (Gregg); his grandchildren, Clint (Amanda), Victoria (Jesse), Brittany, Maisie, Josie, and Anslie; and his great-grandchild, Aiden. He is also survived by his brothers, Norman McCorkle and Glenn McCorkle (Georgia), his sister, Karen McCorkle Heiser and many nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held at Thyatira Presbyterian Church in Salisbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Landmark Church in Salisbury, Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis, or The Gene and Darlene McCorkle Environmental Scholarship Fund at UNC Asheville.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared at www.linn-honeycutt.com.

Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home is honored to be serving the McCorkle family.