Reid Corkern, age 59 and a resident of Florence, Alabama, died Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, at his home. He was a native and longtime resident of Franklinton, Louisiana where he graduated from Bowling Green School in 1975 and later graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University. Reid was a former off-shore and tugboat worker for many years. He moved to Florence nearly six years ago where he enjoyed attending Emmanuel Baptist Church, and he liked to sit and relax along the banks of the Tennessee River. Reid was a New Orleans Saints fan, and he loved to attend their big playoff games and other sporting events through the years. He also enjoyed spending time on the porch watching the many birds that came to his feeders each day. He had a special place in his heart for his pet Chihuahua, Mona.
He is survived by wife, Chanda Simmons Corkern, of Florence, Alabama; sons and daughters-in-law, Ryan and Monica Corkern, of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Tommy and Karen Vise, of Florence, Alabama; seven grandchildren, Luke and Lucy Corkern and Austin, Hannah, Joshua, Abigail and Lydia Claire Vise; sister and brother-in-law, Kaye and Bob Smith, of Hammond, Louisiana; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Debbie Corkern, of Franklinton, Louisiana; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jamie and Brett Simpson, of Mt. Hermon, Louisiana; also numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Olan Quincey Corkern and Olean Angie Knight Corkern; a brother, Jeffrey Corkern; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, J.C. and Bevie Simmons.
Visitation will be at Bethel Baptist Church near Franklinton today from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the church at 2 p.m. today with Reverend Shane Moore and Reverend Joe Kelly officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are Ryan Corkern, Michael Corkern, Bob Smith, Robert Reid Smith, Clint Smith, and Stuart Gignilliat.
Obituaries can be viewed online at Crain Funeral Home.
