William Newton Corbitt

William Newton Corbitt, 93, died at his home in Waverly, WV, on January 14, 2014.He was born in Grape Island, WV, on July 2, 1920, the son of the late Crozier G. and Grace E. Steer Corbitt of Waverly. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Warren Corbitt of Waverly; his son, David Warren Corbitt and wife Janet of Parkersburg; his grandson, Justin Gregor Corbittand his wife Erica of Singapore; his granddaughters, Dr. Caitlin Elizabeth Corbitt and her husband Dr. Scott Gilchrist of Morgantown and Jourdan Claire Corbitt of San Francisco; one brother, Paul C. Corbitt and his wife Marie of Waverly and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Corbitt graduated from Williamstown High School in 1937 where he played football and was a member of the band.He was invited to join the Parkersburg Big Red Marching Band for their trip to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans during his senior year.He attended West Virginia University and was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity.He left WVU and volunteered for the Army Air Corps in December 1941 and was trained as a bomber pilot flying B-17, B-24, and B-29 airplanes.After his discharge in 1945, he joined the Air Force Reserve where he served for thirty years and retired with the rank of Major. Bill devoted his life to his family, his community, and his country.He began work with American Airlines and then joined Union Insulating/Sylvania until he retired in 1980.He was a life member of the Waverly Presbyterian Church. He was a charter member of the Waverly Lions Club and remained active for 65 years.He was a 56 year member of Williamstown Lodge #129 A.F.& A.M., a 50 year member of the Williamstown Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #58, a 50 year member of the Calvary Commandery #3 Knights Templar, and a member of the Jerusalem Chapter #3 Royal Arch Masons.He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and received his 33rd degree in 2009. His many civic activities included his role as a board member for the development of Mountwood Park and judge for the Lions Club Horse-Pull in Waverly.His favorite pastimes were carpentry and boating on the river, and he enjoyed using his woodworking talents helping his son in the restoration of railroad passenger cars. The family wishes to offer their special thanks to the staff at TLC In Home Care Services, especially Lesa and Chrissie whose skilled and devoted care allowed Bill to remain at home on the river he loved. Funeral services will be conducted at the Vaughan Funeral Home, Parkersburg on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. with the Reverend Elizabeth Campbell-Maleke officiating.Services will conclude with interment in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery with Masonic graveside rites conducted by Williamstown Lodge #129, and flag presentation by the Honor Guard Team from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, January 24th from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at which time Scottish Rite services will be performed. Expressions of sympathy are requested to the Waverly Presbyterian Church or the Lions Club Sight Foundation. Memorial envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.