Cory Layne Walls

Cory Layne Walls, 42, of Lubbock, TX went to be with our Lord after a courageous battle with cancer the morning of September 12, 2025.

Cory was born on July 14, 1983, in Lubbock, TX to David Walls and the late Debra Walls. He attended Lubbock High School where he was a member of the wrestling team and varsity soccer team. He was active in the boy scouts and earned the rank of Eagle Scout before graduating in 2001. He then attended Texas Tech University for one year before he received a congressional appointment into the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, NY. There he was captain of the rugby team before graduating in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in marine engineering and shipyard management. While at USMMA, Cory met many of the men who would later become family and formed the Seaman’s Club. Upon graduating, he received a commission in the US Navy Reserve, attaining the rank of Lieutenant before receiving an honorable discharge. He concurrently began his life at sea, working as an engineer on seagoing tugs, drill platforms, and drill ships taking him all over the world. Shortly after the birth of his first child, he retired as first engineer/relief chief aboard a state-of-the-art drill ship and opted for a position that kept him closer to home. He began working for Cleaver Brooks Sales and Service as a service technician in 2018. He quickly ascended into management as a service manager for multiple locations in 2020 and was in this position at the time of his passing.

He met his wife, Nicole, in December of 2012 after being set up on a blind date. They did not have the most conventional first date, yet he showed Nicole his best qualities- he rolls with the punches, always shows up for his family and friends, and finds joy in every situation. Cory and Nicole shared many adventures together, but their greatest has been committing to each other and bringing 3 beautiful and spirited children into this world, who were truly his pride and joy. Cory loved being a soccer dad, Cub Scout dad, and girl dad. His love for his family was palpable and was transparent via his Dad's Logs. Even through the toughest moments of his battle, his wife and children were at the forefront of his mind and his top priority. Cory showed such strength, even in his final moments, a strength that his wife and children also exude.

Cory is most known for his ability to listen attentively, give well thought-out, heartfelt, and honest advice and his ability to tell stories in a fashion that induces laughter from everyone listening. One of his greatest joys was making people laugh, especially his wife, Nicole. He loved music, in particular Red Dirt and Texas Country music, and could often be heard strumming his guitar and singing Yesterday Road by the Great Divide. He was a fierce friend; loyal, protective, and giving. He had a way of bringing everyone together to rally for one another and to celebrate the big and small things in life. His passing will leave a deep void in all of our lives.

Cory is survived by his loving wife of 9 years, Nicole, along with his children Stetson (7), Avery (5), and Christina (3), all of Lubbock. Parents David and Tammy Walls of Lubbock, sister Heather Walls of Lubbock, brother Lucas Walls and wife Debbie of Stuttgart Germany, and step-brother Rusty Stroud and girlfriend Michelle Brodbeck of Lubbock, grandmother Rosemary Henry of Lubbock, nieces Anabella Stroud, Leana Walls, and Evelyn Acker, nephews Hayden Walls, Jared Acker, and Nathaniel Salguero, along with many family and friends, who are like family, who will miss him dearly.

Cory is preceded in death by his mother, Debra Jean Walls, brother Asaya Arakaki, maternal grandparents Johnny and Jean Jackson, paternal grandparents Billie and Erlene Walls, and brother-in-law George Acker.

Fair winds and following seas, brother. We will take it from here.

Services will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lubbock,TX on September 26, 2025 @ 1pm. A Catholic rosary will be prayed beforehand @ noon for anyone that would like to join the family. A bereavement meal will follow as well as a celebration of life.