By Tabitha Evans Moore
Editor & Publisher

Corbin Noblitt never let hearing loss stop him from doing the things he loved — including playing football at Moore County High School. Now, after his unexpected passing, family members hope his determination will continue to inspire others through a new effort to help children with physical challenges participate in sports.

Corbin died unexpectedly on February 1 in a fire at his home at the age of 26. Now, family members are coming together to honor his determination, generosity, and quiet sense of humor.

Following his death, the Noblitt family began exploring ways to turn the outpouring of community support into something that will help others. The idea, his uncle, Scott Noblitt, say, is to direct excess donations received immediately after Corbin’s death toward efforts that support children facing physical challenges — particularly those who want the chance to participate in sports.

The concept grew naturally from Corbin’s own life experiences.

According to Scott, as a child, Corbin suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident that left him with significant hearing loss and vision complications. After several days in a coma, doctors discovered he could not hear and had damage affecting one eye. Despite the challenges, Corbin recovered and refused to let the injury define him.

One of the ways that determination showed itself was on the football field. Corbin returned to athletics with the support of Moore County Raiders coaches and teammates, who helped secure specialized protective equipment so he could safely participate in the sport he loved. His uncle says that inclusion meant everything — not just the ability to play, but the sense of belonging that came with being part of a team.

“For kids with challenges, being able to step on the field with everyone else means they’re not separate,” he said. “They’re part of the brotherhood. That’s where connections happen.”

Those connections became clear in the days following Corbin’s passing, when former teammates and members of the community reached out to share memories and offer condolences. The response, family members say, has been overwhelming and a reminder of how tightly connected the Moore County community is.

Immediately following his death, friends set up a Go Fund Me account as well as a memorial account at the Jack Daniel Employee Credit Union to assist the family with funeral expenses. Now, they’d like to pay that generosity forward by using some of those fund to help other kids with special physical needs play local sports.

Looking ahead, the family hopes to grow the effort into something lasting — possibly through future fundraisers, scholarships, or special events in Corbin’s memory.

Scott says, for those who knew him best, the effort reflects the kind of person Corbin was in everyday life — someone quick to help others without hesitation. His uncle recalled one winter night when a neighbor lost his home to a fire. As the man stood outside in freezing temperatures, Corbin quietly removed the shoes from his own feet and handed them over.

“That was just who he was,” Scott said. “He never met a stranger, and if somebody needed help, he gave what he had.”

Family members say their hope is that the effort created in Corbin’s name will grow over time and help young people facing challenges find the same opportunities he fought for.

If you would like to contribute, you can continue to make donations at the original Go Fund Me account by clicking here. A memorial account has also been set up for the Noblitt family at the Jack Daniel Credit Union. •

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