Corey Thomas Gammel was born April 19, 1968 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to James and Kaaren Gammel. Throughout his life he resided in Zachary, Louisiana, Atlanta, Georgia, and Long Beach, California. Corey left his earthly body on November 15, 2021. Corey was a talented artist and self-employed in graphic design, photography, and landscape architecture. Corey was also very compassionate and that, combined with his artistic and business skills, led to his creation of the United in Memory 9/11 Victims Memorial Quilt project, following that tragic day in 2001. Corey is survived by his parents, James (Jim) and Kaaren Gammel, sisters, Jodi Knight(David), and Lynette Gammel (Charles), nephew, Joshua Knight (Laura), and nieces Kendell Webb (T. R.) and Sofia Politz. He is also survived by the following friends who were like family to him: Raul Palacios, Laurie Bice, Melodie Rider, Dawn Clopton, Kimberly Apperson, Filomena Peugh, Chris Parsons, Charlie Read, John Jay, John “Butch” Ross, Kim Monins, Ferdie Directo, Dina Amadril, Kathi and Jim Petti, Carla Hutchinson, Rebecca Galindo-eagleson, Phil and Kent, Hans Offermans, Dennis McKeon, and so many more who made up his extended family. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Cecil and Juanita Gammel and Ray and Emma Welch, his best friend and companion for 17 years, Helo the Boxer, and lastly his partner and friend of 19 years, Peter Marquez. Corey loved spending time with his friends and family and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Special thanks to Gloria Guzman, Laurie Bice, Irma Peterson, Baton Rouge Healthcare, and Clarity Hospice. A celebration of his life will take place in the very near future and will be announced. Please make memorial donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to Fix Long Beach Pets and Animals @ FixLongBeachpets.com. Corey, you lived, you loved, you laughed, you created, you experienced a full lifetime in your 53 years here, and we are so very proud of you. You are missed. Please sign the online guestbook at www.sealefuneral.com
8 comments
Lelainia Lloyd
September 11, 2023 at 12:39 am
I just discovered Corey had passed today,the day before the 22nd anniversary of 9/11. I was part of the United in Memory quilt & he and I had exchanged messages about me helping him renew the project at some point. I knew he was unwell, but I had no idea it was this serious. Corey changed my life with the UMI quilt. The person I honoured was Kenneth Charles Ledee. I managed to get in touch with his family. His dad and I exchanged many, many emails and in 2004, I flew from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to NYC to meet them. I went to ground zero with his mum & dad and also visited his grave. It’s now 22 years later & we’re still in touch. I have Corey to thank for this friendship. My condolences to his family & friends. The world was left better because of him, my world was better because of him.
Anthony
April 24, 2022 at 12:28 pm
I am deeply saddened to learn of Corey’s passing. I enjoyed our chats, jokes and laughter.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Much love,
Anthony
Kim Monins
November 30, 2021 at 7:01 pm
There’s a you shaped hole in my life. Thank you for our years together. I’ll love & miss you forever xx
Ferdie Directo
November 24, 2021 at 3:48 pm
Corey, they were definitely referring to you when they say only the good die young and that God only takes the best. You are that once-in-a-lifetime soul that not everyone gets to meet. I won the friend lottery with you. Because of you and Peter’s Labor of love, you created numerous lifelong friendships and gave each and everyone of us hope again. You are one of the most compassionate and genuine souls I’ll ever meet. I’ll
always remember our walks to Super Mex, the photo shoots of Helo at the beach, taking him out to the promenade to do his business, your Starbucks cravings and your infectious laugh as your”complain” about your underwear addiction as you bought another pair online. Til we meet again, Rest in Peace my dear friend, and please give a huge hug to Peter and a belly rub to Helo for us.
Ferdie Directo
November 24, 2021 at 3:34 pm
Corey… You are one of the brightest lights and kindest souls I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and am so honored to have called you a friend. 9/11 is such a dark stain on all of us, but you and Peter found a way to spark hope and plant a seed of love back in all of us. Lifelong friendships have been formed because of YOU. The world was a better world with you in it. I’ll always remember our walks to Super Mex, the beach for another photo shoot with Helo, taking him out to the promenade to do his business, taking a ride to Smart&Final every week to satisfy your Starbucks cravings and I’ll always remember your laugh as you “complained” about your undies addiction as you bought another pair online. They are definitely referring to you when they say only the good die young and that God only takes the best. You are a once-in-a-lifetime friend, and I definitely won the friend lottery. Til we met again, Rest in Peace, my friend and give a big hug to Peter and Helo for us.
Betty F. Smith
November 23, 2021 at 3:40 pm
Corey I knew you from your childhood. There were four of you at church the same age. You, Mike, Trevor &Lynn. Now two of you are gone way too soon. I remember plays, trips and parties with this group. You grew into a handsome artistic young man. Your biggest legacy will be the 911 Memorial quilt. You wanted those that were lost to never be forgotten. That was a major undertaking for you but you worked so hard and never gave up till it became a reality. You traveled to several cities to display the quilt to give as many as possible a chance to see such a beautiful memorial. I was so excited when things worked out for you to bring it to Zachary your home town. I am so grateful that I got to volunteer with you and your family and friends to display the quilt.
Rest In Peace Corey. You will be remembered forever for all your wonderful contributions in your life.
Michael Johnson
November 23, 2021 at 3:22 pm
One of the best memories as a kid was us visiting our grandparents in Crossett and spending time with them, our other cousins, giving Uncle Bart his daily coke, and our trip to the Crossett Zoo in search of the elusive peacock feathers. You are missed.
John
November 23, 2021 at 1:54 am
Corey you were larger than life. One of the most creative people I’ve ever met. Such an entrepreneur. When you set your mind to doing something there was no stopping you. I will love you till the day that I die. Rest in peace until we meet again.
Love You
John “Butch” Ross❤️❤️❤️