Obituary of Walter H. Melody Jr.

Walter Howard “Corky” Melody, Jr.

1957 – 2019

Melody, Walter Howard “Corky”, Jr., 62, of St. Petersburg passed away on Tuesday, October 1st, 2019 at his home under the care of Suncoast Hospice surrounded by his loving family following an extended and courageous battle with cancer.  Corky was born on April 6th, 1957 at St. Anthony’s Hospital to Walter Howard “Corky” Melody, Sr. and Freda Slone Melody.

Corky is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 18 years (October 20, 2000), Debora “Debbie” Cook Melody; his children, Jason Melody, Jessica Melody and Jillian Melody; his grandchildren, Desiree, Kendall, Curtis and Ayden; his mother, Freda Melody; his sisters, Michele Maddox (Rick) and Kristy Stewart (Jim); his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Pete and Margaret Cook; his sister-in-law, Donna Choate (Danny) his brother-in-law, Jerry Cook and his fur baby, Banjo, who comforted him and was his constant companion the past year.  Corky is also survived by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who all loved him very much.  Corky was predeceased by his son, Joel Melody, his father and his grandparents.

Corky was a graduate of Lakewood High School (1975) and worked as a mechanic for most of his life.  Since 2011 Corky was employed by Publix Supermarkets as a front end clerk until his illness forced him to go on disability.  Corky loved his Publix family and they loved him.

Corky’s interests included riding motorcycles, building models, working outside on his patio, watching NASCAR races, boating and camping.

There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony on Tuesday, October 8th, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Anderson-McQueen Family Tribute Center, 2201 Dr. M.L. King Jr. Street North, St. Petersburg, FL.

Corky’s family would like to thank the orange team at Suncoast Hospice/Empath Health for their compassionate care.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Corky’s memory to Suncoast Hospice/Empath Health at www.suncoasthospice.org would be appreciated.