Bernard Corbin

Bernard Allen Corbin “B.A” peacefully departed this life at his home in Enterprise, AL on March 20, 2025. “B.A.” was the son of the late Alton Wise and Mary Katherine Corbin, born on March 18, 1945 in Attalla, AL. 
He spent his formative years in Attalla, graduating from Norris High School. He excelled in athletics, specifically football. Bernard attended Alabama A&M University where he met his future wife, Gwendolyn Ann McKissic. To their union were born Bernadette and Bernita. He pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc and obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He united with Antioch Church in Attalla, AL. at an early age. He garnered attention as a collegiate football player and was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 1967. However, due to a knee injury he was unable to continue his career in the National Football League. Beyond football, Bernard and Gwen settled in Philadelphia, PA and he began a  career with the Urban Coalition of Philadelphia. It was there he pursued his passion of serving others by helping ex-convicts rebuild their lives. Later, he founded TownePride Works to continue this important work and helped many ex-offenders re-enter society.

As an adult Bernard united with New Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia, PA. where he served as trustee. He cherished his independence and derived immense joy from undertaking tasks independently. “B.A.” possessed an ardent passion for fishing, gardening, jazz music and football.

Bernard was preceded in death by his wife, Gwen, brother, Charles, sister Alma Jean and son, James. While he will be deeply missed on Earth, we find solace in the knowledge that he has been reunited with his loved ones in GLORY.

He leaves to cherish his memory; his children, Bernadette Smith of Enterprise, AL., Demetruis Castleberry, Montevallo, AL., Bernita Corbin, Birmingham, AL and Caitlin Corbin-Bonds, Atlanta, GA; brothers, Michael Corbin, and Terry Boley; sister Wanda Boley-Allen, brothers -in-law, James Adams, and Rev. Harold McKissic Sr., sister-in-law, Teresa McKissic Smith; a multitude of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends, Jerrold and Patricia Whitehurst, Joanne Neil Jackson and Wynelle Coleman.

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