Donald Pressley McCorkle

Donald Pressley McCorkle was born on December 26, 1929 in Kannapolis, North Carolina and died in his sleep May 29, 2022.

He was the son of the late Alfred McCorkle and Minnie Sota Ford McCorkle, and he was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Warren McCorkle, his sisters, Zenna McCorkle, Frances Wilkerson (Robert), and his brother, Thomas McCorkle (Lucille). He is survived by three children, Renee Park (Fred), Leslie Harpster (Jody), and Pressley McCorkle. Don was blessed with five grandchildren, Jennifer Park, Drew Harpster, Emily Harpster (Zack Stouffer), Trey McCorkle, and Sasha McCorkle, as well as three great-grandchildren, Khadyn Bible, Kairi Harpster and Ariana Stouffer.

A child of the Great Depression, Don knew the importance of money. As a young man he sold popcorn on the street, sold candy and magazines house to house, did store deliveries and shined shoes on the square in Kannapolis. In 1947 Don graduated from Central High School in Charlotte, N.C. and then began working at Commercial National Bank. He married Peggy in 1950 and they were married for 69 years. Don entered the army in 1952, and after being discharged in 1955, he returned to work for American Commercial Bank, which formed after merging with Commercial National Bank and American Trust. In 1961 Don and Peggy moved to Burlington, N.C. where Don began working at North Carolina National Bank, which later became NationsBank. He enjoyed his long career in banking and counted himself lucky to work with great co-workers in Burlington. Don was very active in the Burlington community, serving in a number of leadership positions in the following organizations: Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis, Burlington Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Alamance County, YMCA, Habitat for Humanity and Twin Lakes. Don and Peggy were also members of Macedonia Lutheran Church for many years where he taught a boys’ Sunday School class. Once Don retired, he never looked back.

Don loved being a grandfather, and he was happiest when his family was around him. He loved spending time with his and Peggy’s relatives, and enjoyed all the extended family reunions he attended. For many years, the family spent summer vacations at Oak Island, N.C., which provided stories for years to come. He was fearless in taking toddlers and young children to Burlington City Park to play, and he outlasted younger adults who sometimes accompanied the group. It was not unusual to see him swinging on the swing sets with his grandchildren when he was in his 70’s and it was hard to tell who was having more fun.

He believed in hard work. His motto was “Have faith and patience” and he was an avid golfer who played the game until he was in his late 80’s. He was a loyal friend and he taught his children and grandchildren that character matters. Don knew all the great hotdog joints in N.C. and was happy to share that knowledge with others. He was a decent and generous man, well-loved by his family, and he will be missed.

At Don’s request, no services are planned. Memorials may be sent to Four Seasons Foundation, 211 N. Main St., Hendersonville, N.C. 28792.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.