Colon James Corbett, age 79, of Wilmington died Sunday, May 10, 2009 at Duke University Medical Center.

He was born August 2, 1929 in Pender County, one of fourteen children born to Willie Daniel Corbett and Iva Ruth Daniel Corbett.

Colon served his country proudly as a Sergeant in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. His working career spanned over fifty years; Merritt-Holland Welding Supply Co. in sales and management, New Bern Shipyard in design and overseeing tugboat and ferry construction, and retiring from E. I. DuPont Co in 1990.

He was an avid golfer, outdoorsman and member of Riegelwood Country Club. Being blessed with an ear for music and a passion for bluegrass music he played the mandolin, guitar and fiddle. In years past he spent many treasured hours hunting, fishing and enjoying all of nature's beauty. A true Southern gentleman, vigilant to the needs of family and friends and always generous; these characteristics defined his very essence. The twinkle in his eyes, his reassuring smile and his wonderful sense of humor will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Colon was blessed with six children, Douglas Corbett (Janice) of Wilmington, Jeffrey Corbett (Jean) of Raleigh, Brenda Briggs (Norman) of Rocky Mount, Sandra McNeil (Marty) of Hampstead, Colleen Welch of Wilmington and Linda Russo (Billy)of Myrtle Beach, SC; eleven grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. Also surviving are two of his thirteen siblings, Johnnie Corbett of Wilmington and Katie Kelly of Burgaw and many extended family, all who he loved dearly.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with the Rev. William Moore officiating. Burial will follow in Atkinson Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Andrew Hall, Wade Jordan, Kevin Squires, Jeffrey Russo, Brian Corbett and Timothy Corbett.

The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to cancer research/charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.