Dave S. Corey, Jr. died at home in Cleveland Tennessee on May 11, 2025 (on Mother's Day) at the age of 71. Dave is survived by his wife Bernadette Corey. He is predeceased by his mother, Bertha Irene Tucker (married name Corey), and his father, David S. Corey, Sr.

Affectionately known as "Tinker", Dave loved working with anything mechanical. He became a highly sought after diesel mechanic as well as an ordained minister whose life was characterized by a deep-rooted faith in Jesus, and who had a loving compassion for the vulnerable.

Born in Beckley West Virginia on July 29, 1953, Dave received a Bachelor's degree in Theology from Faith Theological Seminary and College, graduating in 2005.

In his younger years, Dave was an adventurous, unafraid spirit seeking new opportunities, and praised by his friends as a man of humility, honesty and integrity. Before graduating from college, Dave worked in Columbia, Panama and throughout the United States as a mechanical engineer on dredge boats. As an entrepreneur, he started the first mobile marine service in Tampa Florida called, "Dave's Mobile Marine" servicing sailboats, yachts and high- speed racing boats. He was flown throughout the American southeast by boating enthusiasts to repair their vessels.
During his free time, Dave enjoyed high speed boat racing.

Tinker was also an avid lover of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles and antique custom cars. Before his passing he was in the process of restoring a 1955 Chevy Wagon. He also had a life-long love for Elvis Presley and was proud of his resemblance to the King of Rock and Roll, as he was often told by many. He was known by his friends as a kind, gentle man, unaware of his natural sense of humor.

After he could no longer service boats, Dave worked as a loving evangelist to the marginalized, the unwanted and those pushed aside, leading thousands to the Lord including bikers, drug addicts and the homeless. He served as Pastor, along his wife Bernadette, at Lighthouse Forever Free Mission, Inc. in Ybor City, Tampa. Dave often travelled throughout the U.S. as an evangelist/missionary.

Loved and appreciated by so many, Dave was always grateful for the gift of life and when greeted by friends or strangers with, "Hello Dave, how are you doing today?", he never failed to respond; "I am blessed and highly favored."!

Dave will be buried at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley, West Virginia, next to his parents. A Celebration of Life will be forthcoming. Condolences and donations may be offered at Lighthouse Forever Free Mission, Inc., 124 Wahoo Circle, SE, Cleveland, Tennessee, 37323. 

MATT 25:23

"His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant;... Enter into the joy of your lord.'