Ronald L. Corbin

Some people are remembered for the positions they held. Others are remembered for the lives they changed.Ronald Lee Corbin will be remembered for both.A devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, business executive, mentor, and community leader, Ron lived a life defined by purpose, integrity, and service. He believed that success was never measured solely by personal achievement, but by the opportunities created for others and the positive impact left on every person, organization, and communities he touched.Born on June 22, 1946, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Ron’s life was shaped by hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in people. After graduating from Douglass High School in Oklahoma City, he answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army. As a Sergeant (E-5), Ron served in Vietnam, leading soldiers with courage and responsibility. Those experiences forged the leadership principles that would guide him throughout the rest of his life.Following his military service, Ron earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Central State University. It was there, while in child development class, that he met the love of his life, Brenda.Ron always maintained that he entered the classroom with his usual confidence, fly style, and effortless swagger. Brenda insists he tripped over his platform shoes. Whichever version is the truth, what began there became a loving partnership that would endure for decades and build a family that became Ron’s greatest joy.Ron began his early work in community service focused on assisting families, coordinating educational and recreational programs, and strengthening neighborhoods. Even then, the pattern that would define his life was already emerging: wherever there was an opportunity to improve people, organizations, or communities, Ron stepped forward. Ron joined Allstate Insurance Company in 1974 and over nearly four decades he distinguished himself as one of the company’s most respected leaders. Rising from Sales Agent in Sears department store booth 098 (pronounced OH-9-8) to Field Vice President of Allstate’s Southern Region, where he led a five-state organization responsible for more than $1.6 billion in annual revenue and over 2,000 employees and agency owners.His leadership produced extraordinary business results, but those who worked alongside him rarely begin by talking about numbers. On the contrary, they remember a leader who developed people, inspired confidence, opened doors, and believed that an organization’s greatest asset was its people. Ron helped create leadership development programs, introduced innovative business practices adopted across the company, and mentored countless professionals whose own success became part of his lasting legacy.Among Ron’s handwritten leadership notes was a simple but profound belief: “Your best assets are people.”Another read: “True leadership is the capacity to influence and inspire others.”Those weren’t simply words written on paper. They were the guiding principles he lived by every day.

His leadership extended well beyond the corporate world. Ron believed deeply that every blessing came with the responsibility to serve others. Throughout Nashville, he became one of the city’s most respected civic and community leaders. He served on numerous boards, including the Nashville Public Education Foundation, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, The Bank of Nashville, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Saint Thomas Health Services Fund, United Way of Greater Nashville, Studio Bank, Leadership Nashville, and many others. He also dedicated himself to organizations such as Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Buffalo PAC and the Rotary Club of Nashville.

His influence reached education, healthcare, business, the arts, economic development, and countless charitable causes. Friends remember him as someone who connected people, encouraged emerging leaders, championed education, and believed deeply in creating opportunities for others. One friend recalled how Ron opened doors throughout Nashville’s education community and helped make important initiatives successful simply because he believed in investing in people. Others reference the tremendous guidance Ron provided early in their careers, believing in them when others didn't make the time.

His service earned widespread recognition, including induction into the Tennessee Insurance Hall of Fame, being named among the 25 Most Influential African Americans in Tennessee and the 50 Most Powerful African Americans in Tennessee, recognition as one of America’s Best and Brightest Business and Professional Men, the American Diabetes Association's Father of the Year, and the Human Relations Award from Community Nashville. He also received the Martha Rivers Ingram Art Visionary Award and was honored by the Nashville Public Education Foundation with the naming of the Ronald L Corbin Inspiring Leader Award.

Although Ron’s career demanded much of his time, his family never questioned where they stood in his priorities. He attended school programs, sporting events, dance performances, celebrations, and family milestones. He coached when he could, cheered loudly when he couldn’t, and remained present throughout every season of life. As his son Brandon often reflected, there were times he wondered how his father managed to balance so many responsibilities, yet whenever family called, Ron answered.

That simple act said everything about the man he was.

Becoming “Grandpa” brought another chapter of joy to his life. His grandchildren had a remarkable ability to make him laugh and smile in a way few others could. Whether gathered around a dinner table, spending time together, or simply enjoying one another’s company, family remained his happiest place. He also loved golf, often telling stories of caddying, started at age 8, and his dreams of one day living on a golf course (which became a reality).

Those closest to Ron will forever remember his famous “Corbinisms,” the sayings that blended humor, wisdom, and encouragement:

“To whom much is given, much is required.”

“Don’t be a Turkey Buzzard.”

“Let’s chase the mole to the hole.”

“No stinkin thinkin.”

“We are in control of these six inches.”

“It’s not what you think about something; it’s how you think about it.”

“You are in control of your attitude.”

And perhaps the most universally accepted family truth:

“The Corbins love to eat.”

These expressions became more than memorable sayings, they became lessons about optimism, discipline, personal responsibility, resilience, and the power of choosing the right mindset.

Following Ron’s passing, one consistent message emerged from every corner of his life. Friends, colleagues, fraternity brothers, business leaders, community partners, and lifelong companions described him in remarkably similar ways. They called him “a giant among men,” “a man among men,” a “selfless, loving family man,” and “one of Nashville’s most respected leaders.” They remembered someone who made time for others, believed in their potential, and helped them become better than they thought they could be.

Perhaps that is the greatest measure of a life well lived.

Ron believed leadership required courage, integrity, and a willingness to make difficult decisions. He believed success meant lifting others as you climbed. He believed attitude determined altitude. Most of all, he believed that if you had been blessed with opportunities, you had a responsibility to create opportunities for someone else.

His influence lives on in every leader he mentored, every organization he strengthened, every friendship he nurtured, and every member of his family who carries forward the values he modeled so faithfully.

While Ronald Lee Corbin’s accomplishments were extraordinary, his greatest legacy will never be found in awards, titles, or boardrooms. It will be found in the countless lives he shaped through his generosity, wisdom, authenticity, and unwavering belief in people.

His family was his greatest blessing. His community was his calling. His life was his testimony. And his legacy will continue for generations to come.