John "Jack" Gary Corbitt, Sr., age 81, peacefully passed on from this life on November 28, 2023. He will forever hold a special place in the hearts of his family and friends.

Born on January 25, 1942 in Peoria, Illinois, he was the son of the late Martha (Silvernail Corbitt) Engberg and James Corbitt. He moved with his family to San Diego, California in 1944 and lived there until 1959 when he moved to Enid, Oklahoma to attend Phillips University. He was the second oldest of 4 children including the late James "Jim" Corbitt, Jerry Corbitt and JoEllen (Corbitt) Guthrie.

In 1961 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served 6 years which included stations at March Air Force Base in Riverside, California and Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan working with the Military Police. While stationed at March Air Force Base he met Teresa Nanette (Schmidt) Corbitt and on November 16, 1963 they were wed.

After his service in the Air Force, Jack worked for California Tool, Mission Control and Sioux Tools as a salesman.

Jack was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Our Lady of the Lake Men's Club, and the Cursillo Movement. He and Nanette were highly involved in Catholic Engaged Encounter and served as a team couple for 17 years and were part of the local and national boards.

Jack volunteered with the Department of Juvenile Justice's Young Craftsmen Group and Operation Pen Pal making wood pens for the troops overseas.

Jack had a passion for woodworking and used his talent of writing in Old English to make beautiful, personalized signs. He also made many other custom works such as pens, crucifixes, clocks, wine stoppers, ornaments and so much more.

In addition to woodworking, Jack's hobbies also included playing pinochle, bowling (in his earlier years), and reading. He loved his Dodgers and Lakers and would often be seen wearing his Dodger blue.

Throughout his life, Jack was known for his humor, his smile and endearing one-liners. His genuine care about others was evident and people loved to be around him, He was a man of great faith and put God and family above all else. He loved his wife, children and grandchildren beyond measure and especially enjoyed any time he was able to spend with them.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Teresa Nanette (Schmidt) Corbitt; his sons, John (Yvette) Corbitt, Doug (Darlene) Corbitt; daughters, Amy (Steve) Rule, Hope (Carl) Jeffcoat; grandchildren, Nicholas Corbitt, Noah Corbitt, Jacob Corbitt, Logan Corbitt, Shannon Corbitt, Kiersten (Alex) Brown, Michaela (Tim) Jefferson, Kyle Rule, Zachary Jeffcoat, Andrew Jeffcoat, Tyler Jeffcoat, and Kathleen Jeffcoat; great granddaughter, McKenna Brown; brother, Jerry (Janet) Corbitt; sister, JoEllen (Dale) Guthrie; sister-in-law, Nancy Corbitt; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended family members, and friends.

Jack's family has treasured the outpouring of love and comfort through social media posts and greatly appreciated the sharing of heartfelt texts and emails. Here are just a few of the kind words offered to describe Jack - "He was an extraordinary woodworker and we're grateful to have one of his crosses in our home.", "What a sparkle he had in his eyes and the love he had for his wife.", "We still have the plaque he made us. He was a special man.", "Jack was an amazing soul and a faithful one. He lived a beautiful life!", "There was just something about Jack. His quiet demeanor, his soft spoken words, so much dignity. I can only imagine how many hearts he has touched."

A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church 195 Amicks Ferry Road Chapin, SC 29036 on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 1:00 pm with interment following.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital and the Men's Club Scholarship Fund at our Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.

Memories may be left on Mr. Corbitt's tribute wall.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Corbitt family.