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1948
2017
Clarence Herbert Corbett, Jr. (Herbie)
Herbie Corbett, Jr., age 69, of Merritt Island, FL passed suddenly on May 5, 2017 of natural causes.
Herbie arrived on April 17, 1948 in Gainesville, FL. He was the first born to Mary Lou & Clarence Herbert Corbett, Sr. Herbie grew up in Cocoa, FL and graduated from Cocoa Beach High School. Herbie had a passion for the second amendment and was an avid sportsman and gun owner. His love growing up in Brevard County was surfing with the likes of Gary Propper, Bill Manzo, Mike Tabeling, and Dick Catri.
Herbie bravely served in Vietnam as a Ranger in the 3rd Brigade 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. He fought in Vietnam on the front lines of the Tet Offensive in the defense of South Vietnam. The 3rd Brigade of the 82nd was nobly described in 1969 "As the Finest fighting force in Vietnam". After serving 14 months and being wounded he was awarded the National Defense Service medal, the Vietnam Service medal, the Vietnam Campaign medal, the Combat Infantryman badge, the Army Commendation medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm Sharpshooter medal and the Purple Heart for his bravery.
After Vietnam, he received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a State Certified General Contracting license. Herbie served as a contracting professional for the U.S. Space Program and the Department of Defense. During his time as a contracting official for the DoD he served three years overseas in Greece. He became an avid lover of the Greek culture and loved to discuss Athens and the surrounding area. He retired as a small business owner utilizing his skills from serving as a contracting professional and a previous position as a General Manager in Commercial Roofing.
He is preceded in death by his parents. He leaves behind his wife, Marlene (Prekup) Corbett and seven siblings: Homer (Patty), Hal (Rosie), Ella Charmaine (David), Tim (Peggy), Beth (Chuck), John (Darla), Chris (Tammy) and is also survived by 14 nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home on Merritt Island on Saturday, May 20, from 12 until 2 pm. A service will follow at 2 pm.
A very special thank you to Congressman Bill Posey, a childhood friend, and his staff for their assistance.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Wylie-Baxley Merritt Island Funeral Home.
December 17, 2023
Friend
James Wilson
My warmest condolences to Herb's family. We were friends during the 3 years we spent in Greece.
May 20, 2017
Rich Charbonneau
I can't see my entry, but I'm coming, I was drafted also, and I guess Herb won't be the old guy any more, I will.
His little quirks mixed with his loyalty made him funny and unique. They threw away the mold when they made him, I'll miss him.
Marlene don't be a stranger, you know where we live, just come on over!
May 20, 2017
Herb was an odd duck but so am I, he was my buddy, also Drafted in to a stupid war we couldn't win. One of the smartest guys I knew. He could make anyone laugh, he was unique. Marlene please don't be a stranger. Come on over any time, you know where we live. I'll remember him with a loyal friend with some funny off quirks, but that's what made him unique. Palms 23 if you are a believer.
Your buddy Rich
May 20, 2017
Robert Keating
Marlene, as you know I met Herb in 1991., he was a Project Manager for Islandia Homes. We immediately hit it off! Who would think a guy from the Deep South and a kid from New York would get along so well! Even though he had moved on with his carreer he would always call to say Hello and ask how I was. He was a True Patriot and I will miss my Pal Herbie!
May 19, 2017
Vick & Gail Davis
Very sorry to the Corbett Family and Marlene for your loss. We will see you all at the service to honor this special man.
Vick (cousin) & Gail (wife)
May 18, 2017
John and Brenda Lundberg
Marlene and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest love and sympathy go out to all of you during this difficult time. Herbie had one of a kind personality. John really enjoyed his stories. He will never be forgotten.
With sympathy,
Love,
John and Brenda
May 18, 2017
William Homer Corbett
Herbie will be missed by all of us. He was a person you could not forget. I will love and miss him always. His brother Homer.
May 18, 2017
Kimberly Louwerse
Marlene, my thoughts and prayers are with you, may your faith give you strength, and may your happy memories give you peace. Take care of yourself.
Kimberly Louwerse, Cocoa Florida
May 16, 2017
Nestor Akestorides
This email came in from Herbie's good friend from Greece.
I wish I could be there with you .... My heart and my thoughts will always be with you and will never, ever forget Herbie, as I never did.
His Soul and Spirit will always be among those who loved and respected.
May God rest him in peace!
I would like to express our sincere condolences on behalf of all the Family, and personally Marlene, I lost a True Friend.(when joking with him, I used to call him Wyatt Earp).
With lots of Love,
(Nestor)
Athens, Greece
May 16, 2017
Ella Corbett
Herbie will always be a bright light to us...his brothers & sisters.
May 16, 2017
DANETTE WIEHL
Very sorry to hear the sad news. I knew Herbie while he was stationed at Ft Riley KS and he was quite special to me. My sympathy to all who loved him and will miss him. May he rest in heavenly peace where there is no war anymore. He was a hero, but he never bragged about it.
May 16, 2017
Drew Denick
Marlene, Herb was one of a kind. Always warm and positive. One of the funniest people I have every met. He will be missed. Pam and I will be there for the Visitation.
May 16, 2017
Brian Dennis
I am so sorry Marlene, Herb will be missed terribly. He was a great mentor... i owe him my entire career. Amy & I will see you at the service.
May 15, 2017
Tamarah Wolf-Boggs
Marlene, I am so sorry for your loss. I will see you at the service.
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May
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12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Wylie-Baxley Merritt Island Funeral Home1360 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953
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Wylie-Baxley Merritt Island Funeral Home1360 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953
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