For Corey, from Cole; your loving son:

With a heavy heart, I found out yesterday (10/5/2025), my dad passed tragically in a fire while in a Texas prison (Clements unit). While his perishing is traumatic enough, not having answers to what happened is even more painful. My dad’s final moments are haunting and heart breaking. As his son, my goal is to help my dad have his final send-off with meaning and purpose. 

My dad has been in and out of prison since I was two. Even though I grew up with glass windows, numerous letters, and hours of phone calls, my dad’s life still had great intentions. Now, at 19, I am left with empty promises, vague memories, and no final goodbye.

Many ask what kind of a dad was Corey? With confidence and love, I can confirm he was a man of great intentions. My dad did his very best to be a dad from afar. He would always make sure to tell me how much he loved me, and he always reminded me to do my best.

My dad did not have an easy childhood, matter of fact his childhood was riddled with trauma and torment. His story is painful and sad to say the least, and a contributing factor as to why my dad could never understand why he was the way he was. As much as he tried to push through life and overcome some heavy hurdles, my dad could never shake his childhood grief.

Even though he battled his own internal sufferings, he still made a way to be loving, caring, and involved in my life.  I mean how can I fault my dad for things he did not know?  But, I can appreciate him for things he did know, and that is for always loving me.

Things I will always remember my dad for:

His favorite saying,

“Tough times don’t last, tough people do”

His favorite song,

Beautiful  -  Eminem

His favorite line,

To my babies:

Yeah

Stay strong

Dad’ll be home soon

And to the rest of the world:

God gave you those shoes

To fit you

So put ’em on and wear ’em

Be yourself, man

Be proud of who you are

And even if it sounds corny

Don't never let no one tell you

You ain't beautiful !!

-Daddy loves you

As I finish my final thoughts and reflect back on my dad, out of everything that we have been through, the way my dad perished will always linger in my mind.

My final goodbye to my dad was robbed from me. Our future plans as father and son will never be. My dreams and hopes of building a relationship that I have always yearned for was ripped from us. Now, as his only child, whom he loved and adored will travel this journey with lost time and memories.

I am reaching out to my community for help. I am deeply broken and I am trying to prepare a way to give my dad a final send-off that are on my terms.

• Love you dad, your son, Cole