Birth date: Sep 27, 1947 Death date: May 15, 2021
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David Ronald Corzine, 73, entered the presence of Jesus on May 15, 2021 surrounded by his family at his home in Kingsport. Ronnie was born in Johnson City, TN. His love of music served him well all of his life. In high school he played in the Science Hill band and served as Drum Major. He also played with several area bands before finding his “niche” with C. Vaughn Leslie and The Sleepless Knights. After he joined the Navy in 1967 his musical abilities also enabled him to be assigned with the Navy Band in Corpus Christi, Texas and in Seattle, Washington. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Ronnie completed both his B.S. and Master’s Degree in English at ETSU. In the mid 70’s and early 80’s he taught English and assisted with several productions in the Drama Department at Science Hill High School where he was known by his students as “Mr. C”. His work with the youth continued when he became a Juvenile Probation Officer for the State of Tennessee working both in Blountville and Kingsport. During these years he and his family found their “home church” at Abundant Living Christian Fellowship in Kingsport. Once again his excellence in music enabled him to serve on the Praise and Worship team for several joyous years. Ronnie also served as a teacher for both the Men’s Prayer Breakfast and for a Neighborhood Bible Fellowship. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Ruth Grimes and his step-daughter, Thomas M. Grimes. He is survived by his beloved wife, Becky of 53 years; his devoted daughter, Heidi. They cared for his every need around the clock since his discharge from Holton Valley Hospital in July 2017. He is also survived by his brother, Michael Grimes of Nashville; two sisters, Susan Grimes of Nashville and Lisa Warde of Atlanta; also several distinguished cousins. Listen closely and you may hear his anointed music floating down from the portals of the Heavenly throne room as he serenades Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. A private burial is being planned at Oak Hill Cemetery in Johnson City. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the family to help with funeral expenses. This obituary was lovingly written by his wife. Condolences may be made online at www.wadugger.com. Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home, 108 W. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City is serving the Corzine family. 423-928-2245Read Obituary
Was remarking to a close friend about my favorite classes and teachers in high school tonight and decided to look up my favorite. Mr. Corzine always prepared a curriculum that was entertaining while educating. First time I saw An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge and Cool Hand Luke was in his class. Was going to send him a message and was saddened to find this out. Though I feel he’ll still see the impact of his caring. Albeit from a lofty viewpoint. Thank you Mr. Corzine.
Ron was my co-worker and later one of my workers at Children's Services. He was a hard worker, very bright and pleasant to be around. I cherish the many .memories of working together and our trips to Nashville. He was always tell me someone good that Heidi was doing, he was so proud of her. Prayer to the family, there is a fine man in heaven today.
Ronnie and I were friends during my school years. I have not been seen him in many years. He was such a nice person. He always was friendly and had a smile for everyone.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Please accept my sincerest sympathy.
Peggy Faucette Altman
Ms. Corzine and Miss Becky
It was a cold winter's night in Nashville. No, this is not a country song but Ronnie helped write this time in His Story (and mine). It was January 11th, 1967 and two East Tennessee Draft Dodgers first meet in the Armed Forces Recruiting office in down town Nashville. About 3PM Ronnie and I raised our right hands (with 3 or 4 others) and BEAT THE DRAFT, we JOINED THE NAVY. By the next morning we were in sunny Southern California, our first stop at SEEING THE WORLD, San Diego that is. For the next 14 weeks we saw a lot of the WORLD, right! Ronnie was so excited. He told them how skillful he was in music and, of course. MARCHING. This excited the Company Commander who immediately put those skills to good use. He gave Ronnie the Company Flag and put him right up front where he was graded every day on how well he could march (thankfully He was good at it). OH the look on Ronnie's face one-day was priceless. You see, Ronnie, like most of us, was growing tired of Boot Camp when he asked a Corpsman "what the Navy was really like". All our faces dropped when the Corpsman replied "You're in it" (you mean 4 years of this? the draft was only 2 years). I was thankful Ronnie was there, He being from Johnson City and Me from Carter County. Plus, Ronnie's Naval hero was Ronnie Wilcox, a fellow musician that had served his time and who was also my neighbor in Valley Forge. Well, Boot Camp was over and We had to face some tough duty, Ronnie was off to play in the Navy Band in Texas and I suffered for the next 2-1/2 years in Denver and VA Beach. But I did end up in Vietnam with an A-6 Squadron from Oceania (VA Beach). We both returned to ETSU but I don't recall our paths crossing again. Until the early 1990s and, to my surprise, Ronnie showed up as a Juvenile Probation Officer in my Court in Carter County. It was good to see him after those years but then he was shortly transferred to another District and I only recall our paths crossing once or twice more. ALL this being said, I considered Ronnie a friend with whom I had shared a very important part of our lives. I considered him to be an asset to our Company in Boot Camp (Company 39), a friend during Boot Camp and a Colleague in Juvenile Court. As you can see above, We had fun together and provided a measure of comfort to one-an-other so long ago. And we were able to renew the friendship 20+ years after the 60s had past. I remember Ronnie fondly and will miss him. As far as I know, He is the first member of Company 39 to pass and it is right that He will carry the Company 39 Flag into heaven to show us the way and WE will gather there with him when we are called. May God give you strength for these days and pride in Ronnie's service to his Country and the Children of East TN. I am glad that I was there with Him along that way. By the way, I know his service #, it was only two numbers before mine.
With fondest of memories; Judge Richard Gray, Company 39, San Diego Naval Base, US Navy, 1967 and Carter County Juvenile Court,
Becky and Heidi,
We were so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. The love of music and the talent that he shared with so many through the years will be remembered. Doug's favorite of memory of him was when he and Joe would get caught up in the rhythm and song as they blew their horns. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doug and Debbie Cruey
Becky and Heidi,
Sending our love and prayers especially during this time of your loss. Ron was a special guy.
Your friends,
Tom & Vicki Webster
Becky,
Mike and I are so very sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and Heidi.
Love,
Ellen and Mike Arnett
I worked with Ron in Juvenile Probation, he worked for the State and I worked for the county. He always helped us out in the county, anytime we asked. He was a good probation officer and a good man! Kim Sims
Becky,you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.Janice Greenwell Mutton
My favorite teacher SHHS 81, Thank you for being a caring teacher.
Janey Banks Howell.
