Jeffrey Williams Corley

Jeffrey Williams Corley, 44, of Troy died peacefully at home, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, following a heroic battle with cancer.
 The youngest son of Buck and Jane Corley of Troy, Jeff was born May 18, 1979. He lived a life full of adventure with a special love for the great outdoors. Beneath a burley physique, Jeff had a huge, tender heart filled with kindness. He had a shy confidence about him that sometimes concealed his strong drive to overcome any challenge. And although he grew up in town, he always felt most at home in the great outdoors. Jeff was determined to accomplish whatever he set his mind to, and he excelled at many things. He was particularly drawn to adventures that required skill, finesse, and physical strength.
 
At a young age, Jeff was determined to be a cowboy. So as a teenager, he practiced tirelessly to learn to ride and rope. In a short time, he had success in the horse show arena, winning numerous circuit roping titles and state championships, and placing third at the prestigious American Quarter Horse Youth World Show. While he spent a lot of time hunting and fishing in his younger days, Jeff eventually parlayed those loves into a career as a skilled hunting guide and respected boat captain. Gulf Coast fishermen considered it a privilege to enjoy a trip aboard The Innkeeper charter boat out of Destin, Florida, with Jeff as their captain. Whether it was stalking a big buck, or landing a giant grouper, Jeff’s one goal was to make sure those in his charge experienced a fun, exciting and memorable adventure.
 
Jeff also deeply loved animals, particularly his beloved German Shorthaired Pointers, Jessie and Ell, and his late roping horse, Te. Jeff’s taste for fun, music and entertainment ran the gamut – from Riverdance to Merle Haggard. If it was fun, Jeff wanted to be a part of it. But most of all, Jeff loved his family and friends. Just like everything else he did– if he loved you – he loved you big.

As the youngest of three children, Jeff may have gotten away with a few more things than his brother, Jay, or his sister, Juli. But Jeff knew how much he was loved by his family. Especially in the past few years, that love was clearly his rock. Jeff shared a special bond with his nieces and nephews who lovingly referred to him as Uncle Jeff and The Unc.
 
Jeff was a 1997 graduate of Pike Liberal Arts School in Troy where he was a member of the football team, and he was a graduate of Troy University.
 
Jeff was preceded in death by his grandparents, Louis Jones and Lorraine Roberts Corley, and Louis and Lorene Williams, all of Troy. He is survived by his parents Louis J. "Buck" and Jane Corley of Troy; a brother, Jay (Michelle) Corley of Montgomery; and a sister, Juli (Rudy) Osing of Daphne; and nieces and nephews Sydney Hart, Joseph Osing, and Jones, Bae and Mitch Corley.

A celebration of life will be Friday, January 5, 2024, from the chapel of Green Hills Funeral Home in Troy. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. The service will be at 11 a.m. with Dr. John Brannon officiating.
 
Memorials may be made in Jeff’s honor to the American Cancer Society or the Cancer Research Institute.