Mr. Claude Ray Corbitt's Obituary
Claude Ray Corbitt – September 15, 1931 – August 30, 2015
Claude Ray Corbitt, age 83 of Hendersonville TN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 30, in the presence of his wife and children.
Ray was a veteran of The United States Air Force, serving with distinction as a Fire Rescue and Crash Resource Airman on the Island of Iwo Jima during the Korean War. Ray received significant commendation from Major General P.E. Ruestow for his actions on October 8, 1954 while responding to the crash of an Air Force C-124, reflecting the highest ideals of The U.S. Air Force by his willingness to protect Air Force personnel and equipment with little regard for his own personal safety. Ray later served as a founding officer with the Hendersonville TN Police Department. After retirement, Ray served as Commander of Black Pearl Vets Association, 6415 Air Base Squadron, a group devoted to the memory of Air Force Veterans who served on Iwo Jima during the Korean War. In addition, Ray was a skilled metal craftsman whose work is displayed throughout Nashville and Middle TN, including exterior and interior lettering at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium. Ray also served as Corps Sgt. Major of The Salvation Army’s Nashville Citadel Corps, his home church and denomination.
He is proceded in death by his Father, Elgie Corbitt, mother, Odie Lee Corbitt, son, Ray Corbitt Jr., and brother, Hosey Simpson. He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 59 years, Peggy Corbitt, children, Tonda (Wayne) Little, Sheena (Tommy) Franklin, Barry (Cindy) Corbitt, Karry (Joyce) Corbitt, Chris (Ruthanna) Corbitt; 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Springhill Funeral Home, 5110 Gallatin Pike, Nashville Tennesse, 37216, Majors Tony Baso and Ed Lee officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1101 Lebanon Pike, Nashville TN, 37210. The Family will receive visitors on Tuesday September 1, from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday morning , Sep. 2 at 10 a.m. Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, TN 37216, 615-865-1101, www.springhillfh.com.
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