Corey W. Chandler, age 28, of Louisville, TN, ran for the first time-into the arms of Jesus-at 7:20 p.m. on August 10, 2026. A survivor of shaken baby syndrome, he was born July 29, 1998, and had just celebrated his birthday during a 42-day hospitalization. Until repeated respiratory infections irreparably damaged his lungs, our miracle boy overcame one medical challenge after another and defied doctors' predictions with his courage, resilience, and incomprehensible strength.

Corey attended Eagleton Elementary and Union Grove Middle School and graduated from William Blount High in 2019. He was blessed with caring teachers, TAs, classmates, and peer buddies, who enriched his life as he did theirs, giving him opportunities to learn and to socialize (his specialty).

Although Corey was unable to sit alone, talk, or walk, he had a profound and lasting effect on everyone fortunate enough to have met him. Without speaking a word, he touched and inspired many lives. His daily fight for survival inspired courage in others as he showed family and friends what truly matters: unconditional love. No one got more joy from life than Corey, whose smile lit up a room. In hopes of preventing another child from being abused, Corey and his Mom presented programs on the lifelong effects of shaken baby syndrome locally, statewide, and at national conferences, where he excelled at getting and holding everyone's attention with his charming grin and stylish attire.

Corey was quite the traveler and had visited 41 states plus Canada by van. He especially enjoyed a cross-country trip to Mt. Rushmore, street musicians in New Orleans, the Mall of America, Charleston, Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Disney World, and Yale and Harvard Universities. Corey was a devoted UT football and basketball fan, loved attending Atlanta Braves baseball games, and relished the sound and feel of ocean waves at Daytona, Folly Beach, and Destin. Dollywood was a favorite nearby destination, where he enjoyed riding the train and carousel and starred in a video to promote their accessible changing tables. He regularly visited local parks to soak up sunshine while being pushed on walking paths. His face lit up every time Mom shook a chime toy, the sound that always elicited a smile, even on his roughest days. Corey's room was filled with stuffed sloths and giraffes, his spirit animals. He loved cuddling in bed with Mom reading book after book and playing "handsies" with Papa while watching sports on TV. His role in the household is best expressed by his wall sign: "The captain is always right, and I am the captain!!" He was the center of our world, our hero, and our home and arms are so empty without him.

Corey was preceded in death by his great grandparents, Floyd and Susan Stinnett, and grandparents Harold and Louise Cunningham. He is survived by his devoted Mother, Carolyn E. Stinnett, his voice and undeterred advocate; his Papa, best buddy, and faithful caregiver, Bryan T. Garner; honorary aunt, Sonja Armstrong; cousins-in-love Tracee, Tristin, and Timiree Garner; cousins Rev. Dan, Joe, and Ron Stinnett, Linda Lane, Janie Stooksbury, and families; special friends Kelsey Singleton and Talya Gillenwater: his extended Luke 14 family; former foster mom Tricia Jatta; the Sonnenfeld, Houston, Hickman, Fain, Burnett, and Kitts/Justice families; and longtime friends Will, Anthony, Elizabeth, and "girlfriend," Julianna Hotchkiss. Corey also maintained close relationships with many former therapists, as well as former and current physicians, who helped extend his life.

The family will receive friends from 12:30-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, in the Trinity Chapel of Smith Mortuary & Cremation Service, Maryville, with the funeral following at 2:00. Burial will be at Zion Chapel Cemetery, Louisville, at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Condolences may be shared and livestream can be found at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, 865-983-1000, www.smithfuneralandcremation.com.