ROBERT LEE MCCORKLE

SHERIFF ROBERT LEE MCCORKLE 

1947 - 1955

Robert Lee McCorkle served two terms as Sheriff of Colbert County from 1947 - 1955. Prior to becoming Sheriff he was Chief Deputy for 8 years serving under Sheriff Otis H. McRight. Before coming to the Colbert County Sheriff's Office he was Chief of Police for the City of Tuscumbia for two and half years and also had been a member of the Police force prior to becoming Chief.

Mr. McCorkle had a long career with Southern Railroad (beginning in 1920 at the age of 18 as a yardman in the Memphis Division) prior to going into law enforcement and again after serving in the Sheriff's Office. From various findings, he was a yard brakeman, yard conductor, and switchman for Southern Railroad and worked
for them for 45 years.

Because of the low wages paid law enforcement officers during his time with the Tuscumbia Police Department, he may have continued to work for the railroad (have not been able to verify this).

Sheriff McCorkle ran for re-election in 1949 and had challenges from former Sheriff Otis McRight and Raymond Wheeler. Sheriff McCorkle led by 215 votes over Mr. Wheeler during the primary in May but had to have a run-off against Mr. Wheeler in June. Those results were: Lee McCorkle - 3272 to Raymond Wheeler -2817.

He was born on March 25, 1902 and died on March 17, 1969 and is buried in Tuscumbia Oakwood Cemetery.

Sheriff McCorkle was married to Winnie D. McCorkle and they had no children.