Remembering Cory Maynard—two years later, his legacy still leads the way

“I hope you’re dancing in the sky... I hope you’re singing in the angels’ choir.”

— Dani and Lizzy, "Dancing in the Sky"

Two years.

Two full trips around the sun without Cory Maynard. And still, it doesn't feel real.

The world may have kept turning, but there's a silence where his laughter used to be. A seat that always feels empty. A voice we still instinctively wait to hear. But somehow, even in the absence, Cory finds a way to be everywhere.

He’s there in the way people suddenly smile when they talk about him—often through tears. He’s there in a well-timed joke, a moment of courage, or that protective instinct that says, “I’ve got your back.” Because that’s who Cory was. Unshakably loyal. Fiercely loving. Goofy in the best, most grounding way.

Cory and his son Finn at a baseball game.

Below is one of my favorite childhood memories featuring Cory.

One of my favorite childhood memories of him was at our family reunions in Tennessee. Every summer, when all the cousins gathered, there was one thing you could count on—Cory starting up a baseball game. It didn’t matter how hot it was outside or who felt like playing. If you were a cousin, you were getting on that field.

He got everyone involved—boys, girls, younger kids who could barely swing a bat, and older cousins who thought they had a shot at beating him. He made sure everyone had fun, but he also made sure we all knew who was in charge.

Because once the game got going, Cory would step up to the plate and send baseballs flying over our heads. We’d scramble in the outfield, desperate to stop him from rounding the bases, but it never mattered. He was too fast, too strong, and honestly, he was just showing off.

We’d try to tackle him before he made it home. We’d grab onto his arms, his legs, anything we could do to slow him down. And Cory? He’d just laugh—dodging, weaving, dragging a pile of cousins behind him like we were nothing. No matter how hard we tried, he always made it home.

That’s just who he was. Full of energy. Full of joy. Pulling people into the fun. Making sure everyone felt like they were part of something bigger—his adventure, and his life. Your legacy lives on.

In loving memory of Cory Maynard.

Forever missed. Forever loved. Forever dancing in the sky.

— The Memorial Tribute Legacy Team