June 18, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
The Tennessee General Assembly recently adopted a Senate Joint Resolution in honor of longtime businessman, veteran, and community leader George W. Corley, Jr. who passed away on January 25, 2024.
State Senator Janice Bowling presented the resolution to Corley’s son Mike Corley during her visit to Smithville on Tuesday, June 18. Thanks goes to State Senator Mark Pody who came up with the idea for the tribute.
The joint resolution states as follows:
A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of George W. “Bill” Corley, Jr., of Alexandria.
WHEREAS, the members of this General Assembly were greatly saddened to learn of the passing of George W. “Bill” Corley, Jr., a gentleman who enjoyed communing with nature while living and working on his farm; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Corley was born on his family’s farm in Alexandria, and except for his college years and military service, he gladly lived his entire life there, raising his family to respect the land and appreciate nature, just as his father had taught him; and
WHEREAS, raised a country boy, Mr. Corley enjoyed the tranquil beauty of the creeks that flowed through the back pasture of his farm and spent some of his happiest moments at this scenic spot; and
WHEREAS, on the professional level, Mr. Corley was an insurance agent who began his career working with his father at George Corley and Sons Insurance Agency; and
WHEREAS, he proudly volunteered for the U.S. Navy during World War II; and WHEREAS, a devoted public servant, Mr. Corley gave back to his community as a member of the Lions Club, an Alexandria city councilman, and a member of the Alexandria Industrial Board; and
WHEREAS, he expressed his faith as a member of Alexandria Church of Christ; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Corley is survived by his wife of sixty-nine years, Sue Wilkerson Corley; children, William Michael Corley and wife, Amy Puckett Corley, and Dr. Cris Gordon Corley; grandchildren, Peter K. Corley and wife, Kasie Corley, and Luke C. Corley; and great grandchildren, Henry and Evelyn; and
WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his parents, George W. Corley, Sr., and Mary Lester Corley, and a sister, Katherine Lester Corley; and
WHEREAS, Bill Corley leaves behind an indelible legacy of professional excellence as an insurance agent, loyalty and generosity in private life, and diligence and dedication in all his chosen endeavors; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this General Assembly should pause to remember the bountiful life of this exceptional human being; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that we honor the memory of George W. “Bill” Corley, Jr., reflecting fondly upon his legacy and his lifetime of commitment to the people he held dear.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we express our sympathy and offer our condolences to the family of Mr. Corley.