Mr. Billy V. Cork

On Sunday, April 19, 2026, Billy (Coach) Cork transitioned peacefully to his heavenly home at the age of 71 years. He was born September 7, 1954 in Starkville, MS to Odie V. Cork, Sr. and Doreather Cork. He was a proud graduate of the Saginaw High School Class of 1973. On June 7, 1980, he married his high school sweetheart, Karen (Lee) Cork. He was employed at Eaton Corporation retiring after 30 years. He was a member of the Mount Olive Institutional Missionary Baptist Church where he served on the Recreation, Security and Greeter’s Ministry. Growing up an avid sports fan, he played for the Neighborhood House on the south side of Saginaw and at the age of 15, he began to coach baseball. He organized a team of younger ball players age12 and under. This experience strengthened his love for the sport and sharpened his leadership skills. By age 16 he was playing in the men's baseball league at Veterans Stadium in Saginaw. In 1984 he organized and sponsored the Company C Softball Team as a Manager and Player-Coach. Company C was the only minority modified softball team to win state titles and numerous District titles in the State of Michigan. Company C would later extend to basketball, football and bowling teams. In 2005 he was appointed head coach for Bridgeport Varsity Baseball. In 2012 he became the head baseball coach at Birch Run High School. While at Birch Run, he was a four-time recipient of District Coach of the Year and one Regional Coach of the Year award. In 2021, Coach Cork joined the staff at Delta College as Associate Head Coach becoming head coach of the Men’s Baseball Program in 2022. At the collegiate level, he worked with highly skilled young adults, but the game of baseball and his philosophy as a coach were the same. His desire was for players to create opportunities for themselves academically, professionally and as athletes. He also coached football, basketball and baseball at all grade levels. Coach Cork especially loved bowling and made it a regular part of his life, participating weekly in three leagues. He took great pride in achieving his first perfect 300 game during the 2010–2011 season, a milestone that reflected his dedication and competitive spirit. Coach also enjoyed baseball and became a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals after attending his first professional game. Many will remember him relaxing and enjoying a Cardinals game with a cold Dr Pepper in hand. Billy had a quick wit and was always full of humor. Family and friends expected to laugh the entire time he was present and sometimes found themselves on the receiving end of his jokes and pranks. But when he was serious you could not find a better conversationalist/debater on any subject matter. Coach Cork is a Lifetime member of the Michigan High School Athletic Coaches Association and the American Baseball Coaches Association. He received the 2024 Community Manhood Leadership Award from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Chi Xi Chapter. He was a 2025 recipient of the Heart of the City Motivation Award which is awarded to to an individual who engages, motivates, & inspires community members. The award will be presented posthumously in June, 2026. He leaves to cherish his memory: Loving wife of 45 years, Karen Cork; two sons, Brandon M. Cork of Fort Worth, TX; Brent M. Cork of Irving, TX; a special daughter-in-love, Danielle Cork of Fort Worth, TX; the pride and joy of his life, granddaughter, Cassidy Brielle Cork of Fort Worth, TX; mother, Doreather Cork of Saginaw; only sister, Mary Helen Robinson of Saginaw; three brothers, Odie (Doris) Cork, Jr. of Sacramento, CA; Charles (Kathy) Cork and Willie Cork of Saginaw; Mother in law, Vivian G. Tarkington of Saginaw; two sisters-in-laws, Tina (Floyd) Sangster, Cassandra Johnson of Saginaw; one brother in law, Cyrus Johnson, Kalamazoo, MI; one Goddaughter, Andrea Dorsey of Lewisville, TX; three Godsons, Cecil (Dr. Jocelyn) Lee II of Greensboro, NC; Cameron Lee of Medford, MA; Caleb Cork of Saginaw; God-granddaughter, Cypress Rose Lee of Greensboro, NC; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Two special friends, Charles Troublefield and Paul Donald; other special friends too numerous to mention which include friendships made at Eaton Corporation, Hoyt Park, other athletic involvement and the Saginaw Community. He was preceded in death by his father, Odie V. Cork, Sr.; brother, Levon Kennedy Cork; brother-in-law, Rev. Clevion Robinson; father-in-law, M.C. Tarkington. Special thanks to Mr. Alonzo Betts and Evans and Browne’s Funeral Home Staff and Mount Olive Institutional Missionary Baptist Church Family. Family hour will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 1, 2026 at Mt. Olive Institutional Baptist Church, 1114 N. 6th St., Saginaw, MI with the funeral service commencing at 12:00 p.m. Rev. Joshua Daniels, Pastor, Dr. Marvin T. Smith will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery 3210 S. Washington Ave., Saginaw, MI 48601. Visitation will take place from 2:00-6:00 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026 at the funeral home. The family will be present from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Mr. Billy V. Cork

September 7, 1954 - April 19, 2026