David "Daniel" Corn

David Daniel Corn, born November 18, 1971, third son of Derrell and Jimmie Hicks Corn of Gainesville, passed suddenly at home on the morning of November 30, 2025, surrounded by his wife and older children. He leaves behind his wife, Catherine (Fowler) Corn, and his children, Elijah (20), Emily (18), and Sophia (11), all of Griffin, Georgia. He was a loving and devoted husband, and an adored and steadfast father to his children.

David's last 13 years (2012–2025) were spent as one big adventure. He had a zest for life and enjoyed a good challenge. He was a fast learner and a quick thinker, with a great sense of humor and scared of nothing. Over the last 4 years, he was a construction superintendent, building apartments that offered affordable housing. He greatly enjoyed his work and fully intended to retire from there in 10 years. He spent a few years as Director of Public Works for the City of Hampton and was the Director of Maintenance for a college and 2 retirement facilities. David also served as Maintenance Manager for several apartment complexes and was Nighttime Maintenance for the high-rise condos on the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - he loved to stand on the tops of the buildings and watch the sun set over the ocean. He always exclaimed how tiny he felt standing on the rooftops of those tall buildings and how big God felt in those moments. Intertwined with all of this, he had a few side hustles: building and installing cabinets, building benches and tables, air conditioner repair, and small house renovations. He loved to wheel and deal and was always looking for a "good investment." Recently, he had 3 boats in the yard, and he wasn't using any of them. He loved to collect fishing rods, lures, tackle boxes, and tools that he rarely, if ever, even used.

Corn served 20 years in law enforcement. He graduated from the police academy on his birthday, November 18, 1994, as a member of the 123rd NEGPA (Northeast Georgia Police Academy). He served with the Hall County Sheriff's Office (1993–1996); Jefferson Police Department (1996–1997); Baldwin Police Department (1997); Banks County Sheriff's Office (1997); Gainesville Police Department (1996–2002); Commerce Police Department (2002–2003); Lewis County Sheriff's Office (2003–2004); and returned to the Hall County Sheriff's Office (2004–2012), from which he retired as an investigator. He loved his job, the brotherhood, and helping people by providing safety for the community. He often said it was a "calling." He opened and ran a gold buying store in Dahlonega for a year, just after his retirement from law enforcement.

Daniel was an avid fisherman, always looking for a pond, lake, or river to toss his rod into. The back of his vehicle always had at least 2 fishing rods and one tackle box rolling around. He enjoyed hunting and golfing, and the odd hike to a beautiful waterfall or tunnel. He also had drawing contests with his daughters, acrylic painting, board games, video games, and puzzles with his family.

What he enjoyed most was spending time with his family. He never missed a family meal, or hug, or kiss, or tender "goodnight" or "I love you," and he always had kind words of praise and love and never raised a harsh tone to any. Daniel was the husband every woman dreams of having and the father every child should have. He was present for every birthday and loose tooth and first steps and enjoyed bringing home a bouquet of flowers to his tired wife, or a little "stuffy" to a sick child at home. Christmas was the highlight of his year, and he found immense pleasure in finding the perfect gifts for each person. He was very thoughtful and kind and generous, not a selfish bone in his body, and had an amazing sense of humor. He loved his family in a big way, and everyone around him saw and knew. Daniel was a Bible-believing, God-fearing man. His faith was bigger than the mountains and wider than the ocean. He led his family with faith and love, always seeking to understand more of the Bible in a better way.

Daniel had a soft heart for helping those in need. Even when his budget was tight, he always gave what he had or did what he could. He freely gave of his time-ringing the bell for The Salvation Army, supporting children through The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program, giving generously to Toys for Tots, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and participating in local coat drives. He was also known for quietly helping strangers in need-those he felt God placed on his heart in everyday moments. He helped individuals build a resume to get them noticed in the field they desired to work in, or hiring them with no experience and training them so that they could change the trajectory of their entire career and life. He believed that if you taught a man to fish, it was worth more than just giving him a fish.

The name David means "Beloved, darling, friend." He was all of these to so many. David in the Bible is known for defeating Goliath, and he always said he and God could defeat any "giant." The name Daniel means "God is my judge." Daniel in the Bible was known for his wisdom, dream interpretation, and faith in the lion's den. David Daniel Corn also possessed all these traits. He would often say, when he was successful at something new to him, "it's all God; without Him, I could never do this, but God is over me."

Daniel is, and will always be, sorely missed by his family, loved ones, and friends. His presence was larger than life, and he was known for his excellent jokes and timeless stories. He had a great story for every occasion and how he made everyone in the room feel safe. His absence leaves a gaping and raw hole in the lives of his wife and children. Your prayers are coveted by his entire family, as well as his in-laws, as they all learn to adjust to life without him in it. For Memorial / Celebration of Life information, please TEXT 678-206-5438 or email catherinecorn513@gmail.com.

He is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Jimmie Hicks Corn and niece, Lydia Corn Davis.

He is survived by his father: Derrell Corn of Cornelia; brothers: Sandy (June Stewart) Corn of Cleveland, Keith (Tammy) Corn of Oakwood and Kevin (Annie) Corn of Gainesville; nieces: Wendy (Johnny) Wallace, Hayley, and Brittany; nephews: Jeremy, Kevin "Lamar" (Adreanna) Corn; great-nephews: Peyton, Christian, Malach, Alex , Teejay, and Jameson; great-nieces: Frankie and Poppy.