Richard Edward Corn
Richard Edward Corn, 89, a beloved and longtime resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024, just weeks before his 90th birthday.
Born on Dec. 3, 1934, in Nashville, Richard was the son of the late John Felton Corn, Sr. and Mary Ruth Hill Corn. He was preceded in death by his brother, James Anderson Corn.
Richard graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and proudly served as a Second Lieutenant in the Army as a finance officer beginning in June 1956. After his military service, he pursued a career in mortgage banking before joining Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company in 1970, where he retired from the Mortgage Loan Department after 26 years of dedicated service.
A man of compassion, kindness, and reliability, Richard was deeply committed to his family, friends, and faith. He was an active member of Brainerd United Methodist Church, where he participated in the McFerrin Sunday School Class and held many leadership roles over the years. He also gave back to his community by serving as a past board member of Chattanooga Room in the Inn.
Richard had a love for life and a passion for staying active and exploring the world. His adventurous spirit and love of travel led him to visit many countries around the globe, where he embraced different cultures and formed lasting memories. His curiosity and appreciation for diverse experiences enriched his life and brought him closer to family and friends, with whom he often shared his journeys. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing tennis and basketball, and in later years, he embraced daily walks, always engaging with the world around him. He was known for his daring side as well, even going skydiving with his children. His family will forever cherish these shared memories and the unforgettable adventures they had together.
Richard’s passion for family extended beyond his own household. Along with his brothers, he spent countless hours researching his family’s genealogy, preserving stories and connections that spanned generations. He was one of the cornerstones of family gatherings, eagerly organizing reunions where relatives and friends could come together to celebrate life and love. His warm and welcoming nature made him a cherished presence at these events, where his laughter and stories left a lasting impact.
Richard is lovingly remembered by his wife, Glenna Bellamy Carter Corn of Ooltewah, TN; his children, Douglas Corn (Mollie) of Signal Mountain, TN and Leisl Corn Kern (Brian) of Murfreesboro, TN; his stepchildren, Andrea Carter Wilson (Jeremy) of Knoxville, TN, Derek Carter of Chicago, IL, and Ryan Carter (Kristin) of Boca Raton, FL. He was a devoted grandfather to his grandchildren, Joshua Kern, Jason Kern, Samuel Corn, and Sarah Corn, as well as his step grandchildren, Christian Carter, Mabree Wilson, Colton Wilson, and Kendall Carter. He also leaves behind two brothers, Jack Corn (Helen) of Goodlettsville, TN and Bill Corn (Nelta) of McMinnville, TN; sister, Jean Foster (Max) of Riverview, FL and stepsister, Jeannie Rose of Lebanon, TN, as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Richard’s legacy of love, generosity, and joy will live on in all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished in our hearts.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at 12 p.m. at Brainerd United Methodist Church, 4315 Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37411, with Rev. Dennie Humphreys officiating. Honorary pallbearers will include members of the McFerrin Sunday School Class. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church two hours prior to the service for visitation. Following the service, burial will be held at Chattanooga National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Richard’s memory to Chattanooga Room in the Inn or the Ronald McDonald House.
To share memories and condolences, please visit www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com.
Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.