Michael Emory Corbitt, Jr.

Michael Emory Corbitt Jr. passed away in the early morning hours of April 1, 2025, after bravely battling ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). His fight was relentless for the fourteen months since the onset of his symptoms as he fought a disease with no mercy.

Michael was born on January 30, 1973, in Greenville, Alabama, to Laura Jane Rowe Corbitt and Michael Emory Corbitt Sr. He attended Greenville Academy through the tenth grade before moving to Elba, Alabama, following his father’s death. He graduated from New Brockton High School in 1991.

After high school, Michael briefly attended Troy State but soon chose to pursue life experiences rather than academics. He worked in a variety of jobs, including in the funeral business in Birmingham, building temporary structures in Mobile, and at a carpet factory in Elba. Realizing that life wasn’t as fulfilling on minimum wage, Michael returned to his studies at Troy State, earning a Bachelor's degree in Computer and Information Sciences in 1999.

Upon graduation, Michael moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to begin his career at Affiliated Computer Services Inc. (ACS) as a software developer. He spent over eight years at ACS before moving to Multicast Media and then to Internap Network Services/Unitas Global. Michael cherished the lifelong friendships he made with his colleagues, often spending time with them outside of work. Remarkably, he never missed a day of work due to ALS and continued working until September 2024, when the disease affected his ability to sit up straight.

In April 2003, Michael met the love of his life, Lauren Del Pizzo Corbitt, through her roommate and his co-worker, Geri Dominguez-Grubin. The couple married in May 2007 in Marietta, Georgia, and settled in Powder Springs. Their first child, Jonah, was born in 2008, followed by their daughter Gemma in 2011. Michael took great pride in being the sole provider for his family for many years, enabling Lauren to stay home with their children. He was the husband who took care of all the household projects, loved cooking, washing dishes and making his famous sweet tea.

Above all, Michael was deeply proud of his children. He was the dad who didn’t want to miss a thing. He didn’t shy away from being hands on from the very beginning and always worked right alongside Lauren to care for the kids. He never missed a swim meet, dance recital, daddy-daughter dance, beach trip, scout camp, field trip, pumpkin carving, bike ride, tossing his kids and all their neighborhood friends in the pool, game night or reading a book at bedtime. He was always present, always engaged and gave the best bear hugs. One of his final accomplishments was teaching Jonah to drive, with Jonah recalling that his dad was the more patient instructor compared to Lauren. Michael’s humor and one-liners kept everyone laughing, and he had a passion for driving his beloved truck while listening to his favorite music, watching Auburn football, tending to his lawn, reading spy novels and working out. Jonah remembers his father as the "strongest and toughest man" he’s ever known. Michael instilled in his kids the ability to chase their dreams without fear, to engage in difficult conversations, and to be kind, accepting, and gentle with others.

Michael is survived by his wife of nearly 18 years, Lauren Del Pizzo Corbitt; his children, Jonah Emory Corbitt (16) and Gemma Lauren Corbitt (14); and his beloved dog, Scarlett. He is also survived by his sisters Jennifer Presley (Stephen) and Christy Lux (Joe); his brother-in-law, Tre Del Pizzo (Jessica); his nieces Savannah Cook (William), Stevie Metcalf (Cavan), and Kaiya Del Pizzo, as well as his nephews Daniel Presley (Sarah), Nicholas Glorioso, and Penn Charles Del Pizzo; and his great-niece Evie Cook and great-nephew Wilson Presley. Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Laura Jane Rowe Corbitt Mack and his father, Michael Emory Corbitt Sr.

The family would like to give special thanks to Capstone Hospice, especially Michael’s nurse, Allyson, and his aide, Alex. Heartfelt thanks also go to Caring for Angels Home Care and his caregiver, Anne. Their support was invaluable in helping Lauren care for Michael. The family is deeply grateful to the communities of Mars Hill Community Church (Powder Springs), Homewood Church of Christ (Birmingham), Liberty Church of Christ (Elba), as well as their Tidal Wave Swimming and AABD dance families for their love and support during this difficult time. Lauren, Jonah, and Gemma also wish to thank their extended family and friends for their unwavering support and love throughout Michael’s illness.

In accordance with Michael's wishes, there will be no funeral. He requested to be cremated, believing that the trauma of witnessing his illness was enough for his children. A private family memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Michael’s memory to the Capstone Hospice Fragile First Foundation.