William Thomas Corey

William Thomas (Tom) Corey
June 21, 2025
William Thomas (Tom) Corey, 87, passed away at home in Pinetop, AZ, on June 21, 2025, while holding hands with his beloved wife of 67 years and surrounded by their children.
Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Julia Corey; sons, Tom Corey and Dwyn (Tempe), and Ron Corey (Flagstaff); daughters, Teresa and Jim Zawicki (Surprise), and Ronda Wirth (Dallas, OR). He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren, Justin Corey (AZ), Kacie Corey (CA), Mark and Shannen Del Giorgio (AZ), Katelin, Chris, and Cody Wirth (OR), Schyenne and William Joshua Corey (NC); and four great-grandchildren, Landon, Aiden, Ariella, and Linnaea Del Giorgio (AZ).
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Stacy and Margaret Louise Corey of Flagstaff; his daughter, Cheryl Steward of Longview, WA; and his sister, Dione Louise Brandt of Spokane, WA.
Tom was born February 12, 1938, in Tucson and raised in Flagstaff, where he often spent time at the family homestead, "Corey's Corner," located at Snow Bowl Road and Highway 180. He attended Emerson Elementary and Flagstaff High School.
In March 1955, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a Munitions Specialist with Top Secret clearance. He served in Korea immediately following the war and was honorably discharged in 1963. His pride in his military service never wavered.
On Valentine's Day, 1958, Tom married Julia Oakley of Anton, TX. Together they raised five children, farmed in Oregon and Arizona, designed and built homes, sometimes with help from their sons. Each home reflected their love for family, gardening, animals, and their signature aspen-lined yards. Their unbreakable bond, humor, and resilience through life's challenges were admired by all who knew them.
Tom was known for his tireless work ethic. As a member of Operating Engineers Local 428, he operated heavy machinery on roads, bridges, and flood projects across Arizona. He worked for the Coconino County Public Works Division grading roads and plowing snow, and also fought wildfires with the U.S. Forest Service. In the 1970s, he owned a forest thinning and logging business.
A legendary hunter in Northern Arizona's Unit 9, Tom set up deer camp in the same spot for 67 years and had a mailbox at the roadside. In 1965, he harvested a mule deer that placed second in the Boone and Crockett records. On his deathbed, he quipped, "I still have the biggest deer!"
After retiring in 2003, Tom and Julia moved to Pinetop, where they became beloved members of the community. His hugs, quick wit, and willingness to help others will be deeply missed by the staff at Darbi's, El Rancho, Bear Wallow, and all who knew him.
A private family service will be held at a later date, as Tom requested.