Orlando McCorvey was born the second child and second son of Prof. Woodrow and Dorothy Lynum McCorvey on June 8, 1954, in Grove Hill, and passed away on Jan 14, 2015.

He received his early education at Escambia County High School and was a member of the graduating class of 1972. He served as student council president, and was a member of the winning brain bowl team.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from Alabama State University in 1975 and finished his degree in a record three years.

With a diligent work ethic, Orlando’s first job was at Dickinson Furniture Store and A&P Grocery Store in Atmore. He would work on his breaks from college in the summer and holidays.

Hygeia Coca-Cola, based in Pensacola, Fla. recognized his business potential and hired him in 1975. Coca-Cola made him route manager and placed him in management training.

After accounting and management training was completed, he became a route salesman at the Paris, Texas plant. He resumed corporate training and was selected as route manger in the Beaumont, Texas, Coca-Cola facility. Having worked for 22 years with Hygeia Coca-Cola USA and Sunbelt Coca-Cola, he was continually promoted, ultimately reaching vice president status, with his last assignment being located in South Africa.

He was still known as a beverage and sales genius and was employed by Meridian Beverage Company for many years. It was his life’s ambition to make a difference in the world. He worked diligently towards owning his own company. In addition, he and his colleagues were in the process of staring a school for at-risk children.

He leaves to cherish his life, a wife, LaSylvia Lambert McCorvey; a son, Orlando McCorvey II; a stepdaughter, Ternessa Thomas; a loving, caring and devoted mother, Mrs. Dorothy L. McCorvey; one brother, Woodrow (Ann) McCorvey Jr.; two sisters, Demarius L. McCorvey and Rhonda McCorvey McCants; godsister and brother, Felicia Lyons Drake and Bishop Lyons Jr.; lifelong friends, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Robinson and family; numerous ministers and school teachers in the area; many business colleagues; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Jan. 23, at Greater Mt. Triumph Baptist Church. Inhumation was held in Fairview Cemetery.

Pallbearers were cousins and neighbors. Honorary pallbearers were Escambia County High School Class of 1972 and Alabama State University Class of 1975. Flower bearers were classmates and friends.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.