Cory James Elder
Born July 7, 1992 in Melbourne, FloridaDeparted 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.
