Gardner-Webb Mourns the Loss of Longtime Staff Member Will Corn

From the Field to the Heart of Campus, Will Corn’s Influence Will Be Felt for Years to Come

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb University community is mourning the unexpected passing of longtime staff member Will Corn, who died Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the age of 46.

For more than a decade, Corn served as the athletics facilities coordinator at Gardner-Webb, where he became known not just for his tireless work ethic, but for the care, humor and warmth he brought to every interaction.

“Will never met a stranger. He truly lived out Jesus’s commandment to love your neighbor,” said Chuck Burch, interim vice president for athletics. “His life epitomized the servant leadership ideal. Will’s contributions to our teams, coaches and student-athletes will be sorely missed, but more than that, we will miss the friendship, joy and laughter that he brought with him every day.”

Whether preparing fields, assisting a coach, or offering a kind word, Corn’s impact on campus extended far beyond his job description. His presence could be felt in every corner of the athletics community—and beyond.

“Whether you knew Will for a week or for years, you experienced his energy, joy and the genuine care he brought to every interaction,” said Nate Evans, interim president. “He poured his heart and soul into Gardner-Webb University each and every day, and his commitment to this community was unwavering.”

A native of Lattimore, N.C., Corn was a graduate of Crest High School and attended UNC-Greensboro and Guilford Technical Community College. He also held roles at Plastic Oddities, First Citizens Bank in Blowing Rock, and Riverbend YMCA Golf Course before joining Gardner-Webb.

Beyond his professional duties, Corn was deeply invested in service. He was an active member of the Boiling Springs Rotary Club, the Historic Mount Harmony Church board, and the security team at First Baptist Church of Shelby.

Friends and colleagues remember him as a joyful, selfless presence—someone who loved music and laughter, and showed up with a heart for others, friends and strangers alike.

“Will lived a life of deep friendship, love, compassion and true acceptance of everyone,” one friend shared. “One of a kind.”

The Gardner-Webb family joins in honoring the memory of a beloved colleague and friend whose legacy of service and kindness will not be forgotten.

Receiving of friends will be held at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Shelby, with the Rev. Asher Panton and Dr. Robert Canoy officiating. Burial will follow at Lattimore Baptist Church Cemetery.

The full obituary can be found here.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.