Dennis Corbly

1947 - 2024

Dennis Corbly - beloved husband, father, grandfather and esteemed professional - passed away on November 29, 2024, at the age of 77.

Dennis was born on February 12, 1947, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Grace (Stringer) & Martin Corbly. Dennis was a Christian with deep faith and love in Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. Dennis was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Tellico Village.

Dennis lived a life marked by intellectual curiosity, professional achievement and a deep love for his faith, family and community.

Dennis graduated from The McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1965 before pursuing higher education at Vanderbilt University. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1969 - followed by a Master of Science (M.S.) and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering in 1974 and 1976, respectively.

In 1971, Dennis joined the U.S. Air Force Materials Laboratory in Dayton, Ohio, where he worked in the Nondestructive Evaluation Branch, making significant contributions to the field. Later, Dennis enjoyed a 28-year career with General Electric, where he worked in engineering, marketing and management - eventually earning recognition as a named inventor on four U.S. patents.

In addition to his professional work, Dennis was deeply committed to leadership and service in his community. He served as the president of the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1996 and was a graduate of Leadership Dayton and Class 15 of Greater Naples Leadership. He was an active member of the Rotary Club of Dayton and the Tellico Lake Rotary Club, and he held leadership positions as the past president of the Centerville Historical Society and the Centerville High School PTO.

Dennis was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Jane (Gillespie) Corbly, for more than 57 years. Together, they built a life full of adventure and love. They enjoyed retirement as "snowbirds," splitting their time between Tellico Village in Tennessee and Naples, Florida.

While in Naples, Dennis was an active member of the Pelican Isle Yacht Club where he served on the board of the Men's Club and as a club ambassador. Dennis and Jane traveled the world together - exploring Russia, Asia, Europe, South America, the Holy Land and the United States.

Dennis is survived by his wife Jane; their children, Brett (Christine) Corbly of Indian Land, South Carolina; Paige (Adam) Buffington of O'Fallon, Illinois; and Meredith (Ian) Brewer of Lexington, Kentucky. He was a proud and loving Papa to William & Beckett Brewer and Henry Buffington.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dennis was known for his warmth, generosity and a passion for life. His hobbies included boating, fishing, photography and traveling. He found joy in the simple moments spent with family and friends and had a remarkable ability to make those around him feel valued and cherished.

The family will receive friends on December 4, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Tellico Village with a memorial service held in Dennis' honor starting at 10:00 a.m. A private interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin, Kentucky.

Dennis Corbly's legacy of kindness, achievement and devotion will live on in the lives of his family and friends. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Click Funeral Home & Cremations-Tellico Village Chapel is serving the family of Dennis Corbly. www.clickfuneralhome.com.