Menu

Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

/

/

Charles McCorkle Obituary

DURHAM — Charles M."Sandy" McCorkle died Monday, Aug. 24 2009, at the Inn at Spruce Wood in Durham. He had been a resident of Durham for just over a year, coming from Carmel, Calif., where he lived the previous 24 years.

He was born in Newton, N.C. He graduated from West Point in 1936 and pursued a career in the Air Force, retiring as a major general.

As a fighter pilot in World War II, he commanded fighter groups in two theaters of war. He became a fighter ace destroying 11 enemy aircraft in the air. He was one of only 17 American pilots who acquired ace status in the British Spitfire. In 1942, at the age of 27, he became the youngest colonel in the Army Air Corps.

His career embraced flight testing, guided missile development and special weapons technology along with graduate work at the nation's highest military colleges. He was Air Force assistant chief of staff for guided missiles during the ballistic missile emergency buildup and later commanded the USAF Special Weapons Center at Kirtland AFB, N.M.

After his retirement from the Air Force he moved to Hawaii and worked as a consultant for the aerospace industry. In 1985, he moved to Carmel Valley and was active in the Point Lobos Natural History Association, working several days a week as a docent at the park.

Last year, at the age of 93, he moved to Durham. He organized a Monday afternoon sing-along at Spruce Wood playing his ukulele for the residents in between piano numbers by friend Angus Locke.

A replica of his World War II P-51 Mustang, the "Betty Jane," is part of the Wings of Freedom Tour sponsored by the Collings Foundation. It will be in Manchester in September.

He was married for over 30 years to both his first wife, Elizabeth Shelton and his second wife, Audrey Withycombe. He is survived by his daughter, Jane Kaufmann of Durham; his son, Matthew McCorkle of Houston, Texas, and two stepsons, Col. James Withycombe, USA Ret. of Fairfax, Va., and Keith Withycombe of Paradise Valley, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

His ashes will be dropped in the Ocean near Point Lobos. There will be no funeral service here.

Visit the online guest book at www.fosters.com/obits

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Foster's Daily Democrat from Aug. 28 to Sep. 1, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles McCorkle

2 Entries

Rommel Angeles

October 8, 2009

Dear McCorkle and Withycombe Families,

Please accept our family’s heart felt condolences for the loss of a father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, and patriotic hero. He will be missed greatly, yet remembered everlastingly. You are all in our prayers and we wish each and one of you peace.

The Angeles Family (Marina, Miguel, Rommel, Emigdio, and Monica)

There are very few words in which I can express my love for both Gen and Mrs. McCorkle. I cannot imagine how my life would have turnout without their unconditional love, mentoring, and support. Our long conversations are forever imprinted in my memory and pictures depict our most glorious times together. I am forever grateful.
-your humble mentee,
Rommel

Adina and Al Linden

September 2, 2009

Dear Jane.
We were sorry to hear of the death of your father.
We send our condolences to you, Dick and your whole family at this sad time.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Charles McCorkle's name

Memorial Events
for Charles McCorkle

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Charles's loved ones

Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.