Dorry McCorkle (right) established a scholarship in honor of her late husband, Maston “Mac” R. McCorkle Jr., D.D.S., to support students at the VCU School of Dentistry. Photo courtesy of Dorry McCorkle.
A Joyful Life Remembered
Maston “Mac” R. McCorkle Jr., D.D.S., had a zest for life, an insatiable drive to find — and often engineer — its happiest moments. It was that “sparkle energy” and his inherent need to find the goodness in others and in any situation that endeared him to family, friends and patients throughout his 70 years.
Dr. McCorkle was beloved by many in the dental community, from Richmond to his hometown of Roanoke, Va., and it’s why his wife, Dorry McCorkle, honors her husband by giving back to the VCU School of Dentistry.
The VCU School of Dentistry — and his career — let him have the life that he wanted, and the MCV Foundation was something that was very important to him.
Dr. McCorkle, an orthodontist and VCU Dentistry alum, died in 2022.
The Maston “Mac” R. McCorkle Jr., D.D.S., Memorial Scholarship was created to support VCU Dentistry students who demonstrate financial need, but there’s more: Students also must demonstrate that they are compassionate, capable and fun-loving.
Just like Dr. McCorkle.
“The VCU School of Dentistry — and his career — let him have the life that he wanted, and the MCV Foundation was something that was very important to him,” Dorry McCorkle said. “I wanted his name to carry on, and I think this scholarship is something he would approve of.”
Dorry McCorkle recalled that her husband of 44 years cared about his patients. He worked hard to build a successful practice in Roanoke, one that faithfully served his community. He was a natural conversationalist who put patients at ease during their dental visits. He told jokes and reveled in hearing others tell theirs. The evidence, Dorry McCorkle explained, could be seen in pictures taken of him — he was always smiling.
“He was very happy,” Dorry McCorkle said about her husband. “We built a life together that was filled with love, laughter and adventure. Mac expected to have fun in life, and he did. He also really wanted to have others join him in the fun, and he did everything he could to make that possible.”
If you would like the support student scholarships at the VCU School of Dentistry, please contact Gloria Greiner-Callihan, associate dean for development, by emailing gfcallihan@vcu.edu or calling 804-828-8101.
