Thomas Emanuel Corbin, Sr.

Thomas E. Corbin, Sr., born June 16, 1952, was the oldest son of the late Sylvester E. and Bessie L. Corbin.  He departed this life on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at (Genesis) Salisbury Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.

Tommy as he was known by most, received his formal education in the Somerset County Public School system.  He graduated in the Class of 1970 from the Washington High School.  His major interests always surrounded Agricultural and mechanical studies.

Upon graduation, Tommy joined the United States Army where he became a great “Cook”.   As he was never a person of violence unless really provoked, he reminded his family that not all soldiers fought in full combat.  He would say “soldiers have to eat, don’t they??? and somebody has to cook don’t they…, so I “COOK” … and I am a Chef that you do not want to mess with – I can teach all y’all a few things.   After 14 years of service, he resigned his commission but remained in Germany as a Civilian personnel “Cook” for over 12 years. Returning to the United States he became gainfully employed by Plymouth Tubing in Salisbury, MD.

Tommy lived a well-rounded life, having a great love of family and friends.  He never stepped away from hard work. He enjoyed working in his garden, delighting in growing, eating, and sharing his prized strawberries and cherry tomatoes. His joy of working outdoors extended to mowing lawns, landscaping yards, and working on cars.  He was a man of his word. When Tommy made a promise to do something, he followed through. Holding to his promise would sometimes take a while, but he always got the job done. He was not one to remain idle; not even the diagnosis of cancer could slow him down. There were several occasions when he had to be told to slow down, because he was pushing himself too hard, having to be almost forcibly made to rest, drink water and prop up his feet.

When he did rest and relax, he enjoyed watching TV westerns and his favorite football team, the Baltimore Ravens, hanging with his family, going to the track, and he loved being with his two loyal dogs, Brutus, and Queen. As much as the dogs were loving and loyal to him, Tommy was doubly so to the canines. Many times, he left a lively family function, or tried to leave the hospital or an appointment stating…, “I got to get home and take care of my dogs!”

Thomas leaves to cherish loving memories with two sons, Thomas Corbin, Jr. of Oaksville, MD and Patrick Corbin of Wildflicken, (Kreis Bad Kissingen), Germany; five grandchildren,  Thomas, III better known as “Turk”, Jayden, Leonie, Mia and Aliah; from his union to Mary Burton (who preceded him in death), there were no biological children, but 3 bonus children, LaTonya, Danielle and Tashena Burton; 16 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; three brothers, Russell Corbin, Sr., of Wilmington, DE, Ronald Corbin, Sr. (Dorothy) of Dover, DE, and Reginald Corbin, Sr., of Oaksville; three sisters, Linda C. Woolford (Stephen), Colleen Slade  and Gail Corbin, all of Oaksville; two uncles, Littleton King, Jr. (better known as “uncle Jug”, and J. Thomas Tilghman; 2 aunts, Barbara Leatherbury and Evelyn Christy;  a very special and loving companion, Anita Thomas;  along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday,  January 20 , 2024 at Saint Mark United Methodist Church, 32265 Perryhawkin Road, Princess Anne with a viewing one hour prior. A public viewing will be held 2:00 PM-6:00 PM Friday, January 19 , 2024 at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne.

Interment will be held 12 noon Monday, January 22, 2024 at The Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock, MD.