John R. Corn

John R. “Popcorn” Corn of Danville, Virginia, passed away on September 19, 2026, at the age of 84, in Roanoke, VA, after a sudden illness. He was born in 1942 to the late James J. and Iva Corn. He was also predeceased by two half-brothers, Rev. Jack S. Corn and William B. Corn. He is survived by three sisters, Joyce Corn Watson, Betty Corn Price, and Nancy Corn Cassada, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was never married, but his niece Angie Vipperman was like a daughter to him.

John was a very private person. He had a fun personality, but only his small circle of friends knew it. In his boyhood days, he enjoyed baseball and was quite good at it. He also loved riding motorcycles and at one time belonged to a motorcycle club. He enjoyed shooting pool and even had his own collection of billiard supplies. He liked Western movies, and Marlon Brando was his favorite actor. In his most recent days, he enjoyed walking in the mall with friends.

More than anything, John enjoyed working. His first job was delivering newspapers at nine years old. He worked as a tow-motor driver in the late 60’s, then for 14 years he was a sander for Richmond Cedar Works. For a brief period, he worked as a custodian at Ballou Park Movie Theatre, but his favorite job was being a spinner for Dan River Mills until they closed. He was a very faithful and dedicated employee to every job he had. His most recent job was being a custodian at Sam’s Club. He received his GED in 2006 and was immensely proud of it. He decided to retire earlier this year, but then regretted it because he was unhappy not working.

John was a regular donor to paralyzed veterans, animal shelters, and several Christian ministries. He is now in the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ, and no doubt he is working hard at whatever task was assigned to him in Heaven.

A memorial service will be held for John at Timberlake Baptist Church, 356 Lindhurst Drive in Danville on Saturday, September 26, at 3 p.m., with Rev. Walter Yancey officiating.

The family wishes to acknowledge the heroic efforts of the Danville Life Saving Crew, the SOVAH Trauma Team, and the ICU Department at Lewis-Gale in Roanoke, VA