Obituary: Cory Ray Kessler

Cory Ray Kessler passed away on Sept. 11, 2026, after a long series of health issues. He was 60 years old. Cory was born in Hollywood, Fla., and grew up in New Orleans, La., where he attended Country Day School from kindergarten through 12th grade. He was a star basketball player at Country Day and was loved by his classmates, so much so that they selected him to give the school’s “13-year vet speech” at graduation.

After graduating from the University of Maryland, Cory went on to success as a TV sportscaster, beginning his career at CNN in Atlanta, followed by stints in Lake Charles, La.; Fort Myers, Fla.; and Charlotte, N.C. He then returned to Atlanta to work on-air at CNN and Fox Sports South, where he hosted the popular show, “Countdown To Signing Day.” Cory successfully landed one-on-one interviews with Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Deion Sanders. He later chronicled the career he loved in a book, “Sportscasting: A Journey Like No Other.” But Cory’s true success came when he married Julie Bluestein and built a beautiful family, including their sons Evan (15) and Owen (11). He was a proud husband and father and always described his children as “delicious.” As a loyal member of “Who Dat Nation,” he raised them to love the New Orleans Saints as he did.

Cory is survived by his wife, Julie Bluestein Kessler; sons, Evan and Owen Kessler; brother, Randy Kessler (Valerie); niece, Jolie Kessler; parents, Stanley Kessler (Ellen) and Janet Miller Brown; stepsiblings, Julie Lewin (Jon), Melissa Widen Holtz (Stan), Rachael Widen Tennant (Jim), Andy Brown, Tina Brown, and Dan Brown (Elvira). He is also survived by his in-laws, Jane and Joe Bluestein; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Bluestein (Karen), Michael (Juliet), and Erik (Allyson); and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his stepfather, Victor Brown. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999