(03/15/41 – 09/09/20)

William R. “Bill” McCorkle, 79, of Chillicothe, passed away early Wednesday morning, September 9, 2020, at the OSU Wexner Medical Center, following an extended illness.

He was born on March 15, 1941, in Chillicothe, Ohio, son of the late Russell W. and Sylvia F. (Henry) McCorkle. On July 22, 1967, he married Diana L. (McConkey) (Messel) McCorkle, and together they shared over 53 years of marriage.

Also surviving are their children, Michelle E. (McCorkle) Porter, of Grove City, William Alan (Elise Wanlass) McCorkle of Bee Cave, TX, and Holly R. (Steven Wobser) McCorkle, also of Grove City; three grandchildren, Caleb M. Porter, of Grove City, Kaitlyn J. McCorkle, and Wm. Matthew McCorkle, both of Bee Cave, TX; a sister, Carol A. (Roger M.) Palmer, of Chillicothe; a sister and brother-in-law, Vickie (Messel) and Jack McDonald; his life-long close friend, Phillip Yerian and wife Marla, of Kingston; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and close friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sue (McCorkle) Robinson and brother-in-law, Phillip; his two infant brothers, Robert and John McCorkle; mother and father-in-law, Forrest and Evelyn Messel; and a brother-in-law, Danny A. Messel.

Bill was a graduate of Chillicothe High School, class of 1959. After high school and working at the Alcoa Aluminum Factory, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he honorably served from 1963-1965. He was stationed in Bad Kissingen, Germany. Bill was in service along the US – USSR border of Germany, on a mission of National Security. He received the Specialist Four distinguished service award, and was awarded a lifetime honorary membership in the Border Patrol, of the 2^nd Squadron 14^th Armored Calvary Regiment. He also made life long friends during his service time. He returned to Chillicothe and continued working at the Alcoa Factory, until taking a job at the newly opened Kenworth Truck Company, in 1974. Bill went on to work as a Warehouseman in the shipping department of the Kenworth Truck Company for 33 years before his retirement in 2007.

From early childhood, Bill’s father Russell instilled a lifelong passion for collecting, buying, and selling antiques and collectables. He and his wife Diana spent many Saturdays, for nearly 50 years hosting and attending yard sales and auctions, where they met many life long friends along the way. Bill was a big fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cincinnati Reds, Pro Golf, and many other sports. He and family enjoyed traveling and seeing the country, visiting with family and friends along the way. Trips to the N. Carolina beaches with life long school friends will always hold beautiful fond memories. Bill and Diana had a passion for family genealogy and took many road trips to cemeteries, courthouses, and research libraries making wonderful memories along their journey together.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, September 18, 2020 at the Haller Funeral Home, with Pastor Roger Webb officiating. Military graveside honors will follow in Grandview Cemetery. Friends may join the family for a visitation from 11:00am until the time of the service. Due to Covid-19, the funeral home and family asks guests to respect social distancing requirements and to wear face coverings upon entry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his honor to the Chillicothe High School Class Scholarship, checks payable to CEF c/o Class of 1959, to Tom Spetnagel, 24 Ridge Drive, Chillicothe, OH 45601, or to the Veterans in Transition, Ross Co. Veteran Services at 475 Western Avenue, Suite C, Chillicothe, OH 45601.