Earl A. Courtright Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Earl ‘Corky” Courtright, age 87, of Toledo, passed away peacefully with his daughter at this bedside, on September 21, 2016. He was born to Warren and Pearl Courtright in Newton, New Jersey, on December 8, 1928. Corky graduated from Newton High School where he participated at the varsity level, for 4 years in wrestling and 2 years in football. In 1949, he was recruited by Joe Scalzo Sr. to wrestle at the University of Toledo. During 1951, he was drafted by the U.S. Army where he served honorably and wrestled for them through 1953. He continued to wrestle throughout 1962. Overall record was 437 matches- 383 wins - 38 losses – 16 draws. In 1952, he was one match shy of making the U.S. Olympic team. Corky married the love of his life Dorothy “Dottie” Spillis on December 8, 1962. They were married just shy of 50 years, until her unexpected passing in 2012. Corky worked at Jeep until his retirement in 1999. He was a member of Amvets Post 63, for many years. He also was a wrestling official at the World Championships and World Cup floor chairman, until 1991. Some of Corkys favorite pastimes were playing softball, dartball and coaching his daughter’s softball teams. His true passion was to spend time with his wife and daughter and eventually his beloved grandchildren. Corky was known for spoiling them all rotten with whatever their hearts desired. He made countless, everlasting friendships with those he met throughout his life, and was always the center of attention. He had a certain swagger about him up until the end of his life. It was a standing joke that wherever Corky went someone always knew him. After his wifes’ passing he went to live at Parkcliffe Community of Toledo. Corkys family would like to thank, from the bottom of their hearts, all the wonderful ladies that took care of him for these past 4 ½ years of his life. Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Jody (Dave) Gardner, beloved grandchildren, Grant and Grace as well as his cat, Jake. Also surviving are his sisters-in-law, brother-in-law and many nieces and nephews. Corky was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy and brothers, Sherwood and Wesley. Friends are invited to gather on Sunday from 1-4 p.m., at the Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue, (between Secor and Douglas Roads), where a “Sharing of Memories” and a brief prayer service will be held at 4 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Toledo Humane Society or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ansberg-west.com

Earl A. Courtright

December 8, 1928 - September 21, 2016