Barbourville, Ky. – Reid Brown Corey, Jr., age 80, of Barbourville, Kentucky passed away August 8, 2024. Reid was the son of Reid Brown Corey and Lois McNeil Corey Butler, born to them August 14, 1943, in Mackey Bend, Knox County, Kentucky.
Reid was a soft spoken, loving, and generous person. As a young boy, he developed an interest in music. By age 9 he had learned to play the guitar and by age 15 he started his first band – the “Jr. Corey and the Shades Band” – one of many bands he started and played in throughout his life. Reid’s bands were the house band at several establishments in multiple states. His bands also entertained at area VFW’s, the Daniel Boone Festival, and several other venues. Reid went on to become a talented vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, playing the guitar, piano, saxophone, harmonica, and many other instruments. During his life, Reid played and sang with many famous musicians including Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tom T. Hall and a host of other popular entertainers. In addition to music, Reid enjoyed participating in the Warrior Path Muzzleloaders and the Fighting Creek Flintlock primitive clubs. Reid loved animals, especially his horses and his little dog “Jack”. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed going to the lake, fishing, and camping with his family. Reid married Maria Corey in 1965 and they had three children together: Reida, Reid, and Karen. Reid was a superb father. He loved his family dearly, especially his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Although his and Maria’s marriage ended after many years together as husband and wife, they remained lifelong best friends. Reid’s faith in God grew strong and he was Baptized at Scalf Chapel Baptist Church. Reid will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Reid is survived by his son Reid Brown Corey, III (Sharon); daughters Reida Corey Sowden (Eddie) and Karen Marie Gray; sister Deanna Andrews and his cherished friend and ex-wife Maria Corey. Ten grandchildren: William Logan Scott (Danielle Holste), Benjamin Harrison Stallsmith, Brooke Elizabeth Stallsmith, Whitney Alexandra Sowden, Joseph Michael Sowden, Gary Tyler Gray, Lindsey Taylor Doolin, Bradley Calloway Gray, Brandi Danielle Gray and Courtney Nicole Scott, and five great-grandchildren: Loren Tyler Gray, Lincoln Reid Gray, Sterling Dakota Doolin, James Canaan Ballard, and Sophia Jane Scott also survive Reid. In addition to his parents, Reid Brown Corey and Lois McNeil Corey Butler, Reid was preceded in death by great granddaughter Presley James Doolin, sister Joyce Warren and brother Jerry Allen Corey.
The Corey family will receive friends at Hopper Funeral Home on Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM and on Monday, August 12, 2024, from 11:00 AM until the funeral hour of 1:00 PM. Reverend Michael Floyd will officiate, assisted by Brooke Elizabeth Stallsmith. Interment will follow the funeral service in the McNeil Cemetery at Mackey Bend, Knox County, Kentucky. Pallbearers are William Scott, Benjamin Stallsmith, Tyler Gray, Bradly Gray, Dan Connell, Eddie Sowden, Loren Connell, and Wesley Andrews.
The Hopper family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the dedicated staff of Hopper Funeral Home, express sincere condolences to the family and friends of Reid Brown Corey, Jr.
Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Reid Brown Corey, Jr.
