John Bentley Corn

John Bentley Corn, age 74, of Marietta, GA passed away suddenly in Albuquerque, NM along with his long-time significant other, Margaret Walls Hamilton, age 82, of Buffalo, NY. John was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Denver Corn and Anne Carmical Corn. He is survived by his sister, Lynn Corn Seay; sister, Mary Corn Durrett; brother, Robert Corn; sons, Aaron Corn (Krupa), William Corn (Jewel), and Thomas Corn.

Born in Atlanta, GA November 12th, 1950. Growing up down Dallas Highway, he graduated from McEachern High School in 1969. While working in the family business of Corn Brothers, John soon found that his soul was destined to be out West where pioneers, cowboys, and explorers went generations before. After serving in the Colorado Air National Guard, it was time to forge a new path, and for the Corn family that meant starting a business. Starting with his first business in the early 70's, Trappers Rendezvous in Denver, CO. A black powder store which had multiple franchisees. This was of course back when Denver was still a cowboy town and there were a wild bunch of loyal friends and acquaintances around John.

In the 80's he made his way back to Marietta, GA to start a family, had three sons, and started another very successful company in the cowboy clothing business, Tombstone Outfitters, as well as a firearms store. Specializing in authentic designs, leather goods he made by hand, and a true to history representation of the era. His biggest clients came from the cowboy action shooting sport, reenactments, and Hollywood. If you've seen the movie Tombstone (if not, shame on you) then you have seen some of John's Corn work being worn in that timeless classic.

All the while living in Georgia, his heart was being pulled back West, and in the early 2000's he made his way back and landed in Worland, WY. Living in the wide-open rawness of Wyoming, the mountain man in him started calling again, so he decided to add survival and preparedness products to his business, forming the company Essential Gear Outfitters. He developed products like pocket survival fishing kits, perimeter alarms, and carried a host of off grid items, first-aid, and survival gear.

One thing from his earliest venture on his own was still missing though. From that Phoenix Rising brand was created. The name is actually inspired by his roots in Atlanta, GA, which is known as the Phoenix city after rising back from the ashes after the Civil War. The brand has since taken on many forms but tends to stray far away from anything typical.

A gathering to celebrate John's life is scheduled for Saturday, September 6th, 2025, at Logan Farm House in Acworth, GA from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Family, friends, and all that knew John or the Corn family are welcome. We encourage you to leave the suit at home, and come ready to eat.