Everett Cory Becknell

Everett “Cory” Becknell, age 51, passed away in the early hours of July 16th after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was in the comfort of his home with his family beside him. Cory was born on February 6th, 1973 in Frankfurt, Germany. He was the only son of Everett and Marinis Becknell. Cory grew up in Lexington KY and Orland FL with his mother and two sisters. In 1995 his family moved to North Carolina and Cory would tell you that is when his life changed for the better. He met his wife, Gretchen, and they married in 2001. Cory was a loving father to his only child, Evelyn, and an adoring husband to his wife of 23 years. Cory’s livelihood was the tile company he owned and operated for more than 20 years. He was a true craftsman with a strong work ethic and took great satisfaction in the quality work he provided his customers. Cory was funny, creative, and confident in all he did. His motto was, “If someone else can do it, so can I.” He enjoyed building things and over the years he built numerous boats, surfboards, and vehicles. Cory enjoyed a challenge, problem-solving, and took pride in all his completed projects. Cory loved the outdoors too, the hotter the better! He would spend his free time working around the yard, tinkering on his current hobby or heading to the water to go fishing. Cory’s life was an inspiration to many and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Cory leaves behind his wife, Gretchen Becknell; daughter, Evelyn; his mother, Marinis Ellis; two sisters, Casey Kern (Darren) and Carrie Broyal (John); his in-laws, Kirk and Faynelle Right; Artie Right (Kim); Jeremy Clark; eleven nieces and nephews; many aunts and uncles; cousins; and friends.

Cory was proceeded in death by his father, Everett Ray Becknell; grandmothers, Mahalia Roberts Becknell and Della Mae Sizemore; and Grandfather, Pearl Fox White.

A Memorial will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 27th at McClure’s Funeral Chapel, 1030 S. Main St. Graham, NC. Memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN.org).