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William Porter ‘Sonny’ Corbin, 90, traveled the world as a merchant seaman

William Porter 'Sonny' Corbin
William Porter ‘Sonny’ Corbin

HAMPTON — William Porter Corbin, 90, affectionately known as “Sonny,” the youngest son of Phillip Corbin (deceased) and Eva Porter (deceased), was born Dec. 9, 1930, in Hampton and gently slipped away from this life Friday, Aug. 7, 2020.

Despite being inflicted in his physical body, the “peace of God which surpasses all understanding” was evidenced by his peaceful demeanor during his final days.

William lived his entire life in Hampton and was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church. William served in the U.S. Navy and was also a merchant seaman. He enjoyed traveling around the world. After his military career, he became a skilled craftsman, independent carpenter and businessman.

William enjoyed collecting and selling antiques; gardening; scrapbooking projects; and listening to music, especially jazz. These activities filled him with a sense of enchantment. William, a well-known “social butterfly” loved to entertain and enjoyed his family, friends and neighbors. He found a special joy in caring for his grandson, Desta, and helping his friends, Ms. Cummings and Mrs. Williams, whenever needed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, James and Phillip; and two sisters, Helen Carr and Anna Mae Sayle.

William leaves to mourn and cherish his memories three sisters, Gloria Miller, Jannie Campbell and Eva Corbin; stepchildren, James Sayles and Zina Tillery; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of William’s life will be held at noon, Friday, Aug. 14, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home with interment to follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service and wish to let everyone know that the service will be streaming on Facebook Live via Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home’s website. Social distancing restrictions need to be respected.

Share online condolences with the family at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home.

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