Obituary of Jeffrey Albert McCorkindale

Jeffrey A. (Jeff) McCorkindale, of Roanoke, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2019. A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2019, at Simpson Funeral Home Chapel. The service will be conducted by the Very Rev. Robert E. Brodie and Rev. Cn. Rodney H. Longmire.

Jeff was born July 5, 1937, and was preceded in death by his parents, Malcolm and Mary McCorkindale, and his brother, Jim McCorkindale. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Catherine McCorkindale and son-in-law, Stephen O’Leyar, of Fairport, N.Y.; son, Matthew McCorkindale, of Roanoke, Va.; and granddaughter, Caitlin O’Leyar.

Jeff lived a life of service through his public and private vocations. He enjoyed a long career in security and fraud detection as a polygraph examiner, forensic document examiner and security consultant. In addition, he served as a Roanoke Auxiliary Police Officer for 21 years. He served in the US Army after high school and in later years joined the Virginia Defense Force (State Guard), attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He took great pleasure in military traditions, camaraderie and the opportunity to serve his state and community.

Jeff practiced his strong Christian faith through community ministry including serving as a Church of the Brethren interim pastor in Goode, Virginia for five years. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, he performed in multiple musicals and as a church soloist. He most enjoyed spending time with family and friends, reading, solving crossword puzzles, and oil painting.

The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Virginia Veterans Care Center, 4550 Shenandoah Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24017.