May 19, 1946 ~ November 21, 2024

Charles Cordell “Corky” Hembree Jr., 78, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024. He was born on May 19, 1946, in Harriman, Tennessee, to the late Cordell and Sara Hembree.  He was also preceded in death by his sister, Rebecca Hembree Vaughn.

A 1964 graduate of Rhea Central High School, Corky was a proud member of the basketball team and served as president of his senior class. Following high school, he attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, then went on to earn his degree from Mercer School of Pharmacy in Atlanta, GA.  Then, he proudly served his country in the United States Army. 

Corky was a dedicated member of Red Bank Baptist Church and was a passionate fan of the Tennessee Volunteers. He loved to travel, with one of his most cherished memories being the opportunity to watch the Blue Angels in Pensacola with his wife. He also found great joy in attending the Wheat homecoming reunions each October in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and in spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years,  Martha Young Hembree; children, Michelle Bailey (Jonathan), Paige Taylor (Brian), and Courtney Taylor (James); eight grandchildren, Jacob, Sarah Kate, and Caroline Bailey; Sam, Noah Charles, Ellie, Sidney, and Avery Taylor; as well as many cousins, a niece, Charlotte Vaughn Pasillas, and a nephew, David Vaughn.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Coulter Garrison Funeral Home, with Dr. Fred Steelman and Rev. Bill Harvey officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment with military honors will follow at Shaver Cemetery.