Dofford "Dutch" Corker, Sr. was born on September 3, 1943, in Grady County, Georgia. He was the son of the late John "Dutch" Corker and Joan Parsons Corker.

At an early age, he united with the Cedar Springs AME Church where he remained a member until his demise.

Dofford attended the public schools of Grady County, including Washington Consolidated High School and graduated in the class of 1961. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served 24 years with distinction. He was stationed throughout the United States and abroad, and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. During his military career, he was awarded the Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal 7" Award, National Defense Service Medal with 8 campaign stars, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal 1st Class, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Rifle M-16 Expert Qualifying Badge. Dofford was also awarded the Jumpmaster Badge and was a Master Parachutist with combat jumps and recorded 1,137 jumps over the course of his 24 years of active duty. He retired with the rank of Command Sergeant Major on June 27, 1985 in Fort Knox, Kentucky.

In 1962, he was joined in holy matrimony to Lucy M. Davis of Bainbridge, Georgia. This union spanned a period of 54 years and was blessed with three children—Dofford Jr., Lori, and Deidre. To commemorate their fifty-year anniversary, they received a congratulatory letter from President and First Lady Barack H. and Michelle Obama.

After returning to civilian life, Dofford was employed with the State Correctional System at the Lee State Prison, Thomasville Diversion Center, and the Southwest Detention Center in Moultrie, Georgia for numerous years. His extensive work career ended in 2006 at Albany State University with the Department of Public Safety.

Dofford was a 33 Degree, Gold, and Life member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free Masons, Electric City Lodge No. 322. He was a member of the Al Faruk Shrine Temple No. 145, Oasis of Columbus, Desert of Georgia, and a lifetime member of the Elijah Franklin American Legion Post 544 in Cairo, Georgia. His hobbies included farming, working on cars, and fishing and didn't mind sharing his passion with everyone he encountered. He was a mentor to numerous people and positively impacted their lives. Many followed in his footsteps by joining the military, going to college, or pursuing other successful endeavors.

Life's earthly journey ended when Dofford transitioned on August 4, 2017. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Deidre Denise Corker.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lucy M. Davis Corker, two loving children, Dofford Corker, Jr., Albany, GA and Lori (Brian) Corker Hall, Forest Heights, MD; one grandchild, Dominique Corker, Montgomery, AL; four siblings, Joanne C. Wilson and James (Lenola) Corker, Sr., Albany, GA, Cathleen C. Lowe, Cairo, GA, and Danny (Angela) Corker, Sr., Jacksonville, FL; sisters-in-law, Daisy (Steve) Lowe and Rebecca Bolarinwa of Bainbridge, GA, and Loscella (Julius) Foster, Arlington, GA; brothers-in-law, Mack (Ora) Davis and Willie (Jacqueline) Davis, St. Petersburg, FL, and Arnold (Brenda) Davis, Jr., Denver, Co; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, mentees, and close friends who will miss him dearly.