Born July 7, 1992 in Melbourne, Florida
Departed February 26, 2024 in Orlando, Florida
Cory James Elder, 31, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Cory was born on July 7, 1992, at Holmes Regional Hospital and resided in Palm Bay until moving to West Melbourne, where he still resided with his family.
He never knew a stranger and still had many childhood friends from his days at Christa McAuliffe Elementary, Central Middle School, and Palm Bay High School. He was such a positive and fun person to be around that he easily made friends everywhere he went.
Cory loved life and made the most of the 31 years he had on earth. He enjoyed cars and all types of music, most especially classic country. He also loved working with his dad and his Carroll family at Carroll Distributing for almost 10 years, where he drove a route truck delivering beer. He was so proud to be a Budman and walk in his father’s footsteps.
The greatest love of Cory’s life was his fiancé, Kassie Valencia, and their baby girl Kamila, who just turned one year old this past January. Kassie also made Cory an uncle to Hiriam and Amirah, who brought so much joy to Cory’s life. Hiriam was Cory’s favorite little boy in the world. Cory and Kassie had plans to marry this year but now it is one more dream that cancer has stolen from them.
He was preceded in death by his cousin, Taylor Renae King; his great grandfather, Edward Williams; his grandfathers Dale Coggshall, John Keesee, Charles Elder and Bill Mossman; and his grandmothers Peggy Mossman and Lu Elder.
Cory is lovingly survived by his daughter Kamila; fiancé Kassie Valencia; mother Cyndi Elder; father Jamie Elder; grandmother Pamela (Thom) Harrell; great-grandmother Marion Williams; uncles Buddy Elder, Daryl (Chrissy) Elder and Bobby (Andee) King; aunts Renae (Mike) Matteson and Nona Elder; cousins Maeghen, Deej, Hannah, and Isabel; and so many extended family and friends that loved him dearly.
A Celebration of Cory’s Life will be held at Carroll Distributing on March 10, 2024, beginning at 1:00 pm. Carroll Distributing is located at 1553 Chad Carroll Way, Melbourne, Florida 32940 (off of Viera Blvd/US #1).
Please share your memories and pictures on Cory’s Facebook page or sign the guestbook at www.brownliemaxwell.com.
In place of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the GoFundMe that has been set up to “Help Kassie and Kamila Bridge the Gap” and assist with future expenses. If you prefer, checks can be made directly to James Elder and brought to the Celebration of Life, the monies will go to the same cause.
11 entries.
Kathy Frank
from West Melbourne wrote on March 10, 2024:
Cory was such a wonderful neighbor. So personable and always with a smile and fun conversation. He will be surely missed. The fact that so many friends were always over playing pool, watching TV and just kicking back is a testament of how much he was loved! A soul who lit this world and now his heavenly home. ❤️
Julie
from Cocoa wrote on March 8, 2024:
My heartfelt condolences to Cory’s family.
Cory was one of my favorite delivery drivers.
He was always pleasant..
He never left my receiving door without saying
“See ya later alligator”!
I miss that.
So, to Cory I say “See ya later alligator”
RIP
Alleah Prescott (maiden name Switzer)
from Live Oak wrote on March 7, 2024:
Cory and I shared classes all through elementary school. He was always kind, he was a familiar face every school year. I'm heartbroken for his family. No words can describe the feelings of losing such a wonderful person.
Sybil bach
from Melbourne wrote on March 7, 2024:
I will miss you cuz . You were so sweet.
Renae Matteson
from West Melbourne wrote on March 4, 2024:
I love you so much! You were not just my nephew but also the son I never had. I still don't understand why God needed both you and Taylor so soon but he could not have chosen better Angels from earth to ascend to Heaven. We'll take care of your girls and Kamila will always know how much her Daddy loved her. We need you and Taylor to please send us signs from above to help us keep our faith. xoxo Aunt Nae-Nae
Jamie Elder
from West Melbourne wrote on March 3, 2024:
You were amazing and missed so badly, you were such a mellow soul that never liked any type of controversy, you were the one that made people feel comfortable to be around. My life has been forever damaged and our fun times together will be forever memories. I will miss my daily phone calls when I call you on the way home every night, or seeing your bowlegged ass walking around the warehouse. You will be forever remembered as the Budman and that was all you wanted to do was to spend time with your beautiful daughter and Kassie and hang out with your work buddies. My days will forever be empty without you and trying to figure it out will be tough but we will figure it out and make sure Kamila will always know who her dada was and the love everyone had for him. I will forever love you Bubba.
Jerry Close
from Downtown Melbourne wrote on March 3, 2024:
I'm verry sorry for your loss and was shocked and saddened when I read it in this morning's newspaper. God Bless...
PAMELA Thomas
from Palm Bay wrote on March 2, 2024:
Hugs and more hugs . My heart goes to the family. Prayers for you thru this.
Sami LaRoche
from Palm Bay wrote on March 2, 2024:
Cory was always positive and smiling every time I saw him. Even at 3:00am which is not easy for most people. He will be missed by many. RIP Cory
Roselyn M Thrash
from Melbourne wrote on March 1, 2024:
Our hearts are breaking for the Elder, Harrell and Williams families. Although Cory left this earth way too early, his impact on those around him is monumental and his legacy lives on. You have our deepest sympathy.
Pamela Harrell
from Melbourne wrote on March 1, 2024:
You fought so hard and came so close to beating cancer but 5 times was too much. I love you so much and it still feels like a bad dream that I’m waiting to wake up from. Your beautiful Kamila will have loads of love and we will make sure your girls are taken care of.
Born July 7, 1992 in Melbourne, Florida