William McKinney Corbin

Mr. William McKinney Corbin, of Rome, GA, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024, at age 75.

William was known as "Bill" to his friends and coworkers, "Mac" to his family and "Grandaddy" to his grandchildren. Bill was born in Rome, Georgia, on July 29, 1949, son of the late William Whitworth Corbin and the late Nell McKinney Corbin. Bill graduated from Armuchee High School in 1967 and graduated with honors from the Georgia Police Academy in 1970. Bill served honorably in the 3rd division of the United States Army from 1967-1970, spending one year in Vietnam. Bill was an expert Rifleman and received awards including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 bronze service stars as well as a Purple Heart.

Bill had several careers in his lifetime. He began his 14-year career with the Augusta Richmond County Police Department and became a detective, where he specialized in crime scene investigations. He later went on to become a Lieutenant in charge of security with Savannah River Site (SRS) for the US Department of Energy, specializing in nuclear weapons security. Bill finished his 7-year career with SRS where he eventually became an administrative assistant to the zone security manager. He moved back to Rome in 1990, where he began a new career with International Paper (Temple Inland). Bill worked in several divisions of International Paper during his 21-year career with them until his retirement in 2011.

Bill grew up with a love for hunting and fishing. He was an avid horseman in his younger years, having competed in hunter jumper shows as well as seasonal fox hunts with Belle Meade Hunt Club. He had a colorful life where his first vote for president of the US was cast in a helicopter while in Vietnam. His time in law enforcement in Augusta had him becoming buddies with James Brown and being a local bodyguard for Dolly Parton, where she affectionately referred to him as "Officer Bill". As an undercover officer, he was responsible for busting organized hate groups, and the take down of various criminal activity, involving horrific crimes. One of those criminal captures left Bill with a fractured cervical vertebra due to the criminal trying to escape by jumping out a second story window, and Bill jumping after him headfirst. Bill had a high adrenaline life, but the thing that brought him the most excitement was his family. Bill was a devoted father and grandfather. Bill would have told you that his greatest accomplishment in life was his daughter and grandchildren. He spent much of his retirement years visiting them. He loved attending church with them, going to various school functions and spending holidays together. He delighted in watching his granddaughter ride horses and supporting his grandson at various sporting events.

Bill was stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart. He was a man of faith, fun loving, keenly observant, generous, loveable, intuitive, determined, courageous, faithful, and hardworking. He was a friend to all and he will be so greatly missed.

Survivors include his daughter, Kip Hornsby (Larry Jr.); granddaughter, Alea Ann Hornsby; grandson, Christopher Jackson Hornsby; brother, Timothy Mark Corbin (Beth); niece, Jennifer West (Joey); and nephews, Kristofer Corbin, and Matthew Corbin.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 2:00pm in the Chapel at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, with Pastor Joey Fitzgerald officiating and the Rome American Legion Honor Guard Post 5 presenting military honors. Interment will be in Georgia National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 12:00 pm until 1:45pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb County, 1605 Roberta Drive SW, Marietta, GA 30008, or to The Wounded Warrior Project.

Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, is honored to serve the family of Mr. William McKinney Corbin.