Mr. Robert Henry (Jack) Corley was born in Dekalb County to the late John and Bartie (Robertson) Corley of Alexandria. He was a 1956 graduate of Watertown High School, where he was named “most studious.” Jack was an All-State football player and named to the Cumberland Valley Conference Team.
After high school, Jack attended Nashville Barber College. Upon graduation, he joined his father at Corley’s Barber Shop in Alexandria, Tennessee where he worked for over 30 years. In 1968, he became the much-loved and admired husband of Dorothy Worley-Corley and moved to Lebanon, TN.
Jack loved the outdoors and was renowned as one of the great sportsmen of Middle Tennessee. He was proficient in hunting quail, turkey, dove, deer, and other wild game. He was also an excellent fisherman. Upon retiring from barbering, Jack became a celebrated crafter. His specialty was wood carving and etching walking sticks that were sold in every state as well as internationally. His skills were showcased multiple times on the popular television show Tennessee Crossroads.
Jack had a quick wit and was a clever storyteller. Grandpa Jack, as he was known to his family, loved playing pranks, sharing jokes, or telling stories about his fishing or hunting trips, especially to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He often gifted them with his handcrafted games, toys and other keepsakes. He was always ready for a game of Chinese checkers or rummy…and it was a rare day when he didn’t win.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Dorothy and two siblings – brother, Hugh Corley and sister Madonna Allen.
Jack was the stepfather to three children Barbara Presley (Roy), Mike Suite (Patricia), and Lex Suite (Lana). He had five grandchildren – the late Kim Presley, Kurt Presley (Shanda), Danielle Suite, Carson Suite (Kara), and Ally Stembridge (Mitchell). He also had eight great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his niece Roenia Allen (David) Turner and nephew Timothy Corley Allen. He also leaves behind two life-long friends and fellow outdoorsmen, Jim and Jack Brown.
Jack was a member of Adams Avenue Church of Christ. His life touched many others and is remembered by all for his generosity and kindness.
Visitation will be on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 1:00 – 2:00 PM with the funeral service at 2:00 PM in the chapel at Ligon Bobo Funeral Home with Bro. Stan Stephenson officiating. Interment Cedar Grove Cemetery.
LIGON & BOBO FUNERAL HOME of Lebanon (615) 444-2142 www.ligonbobo.com
For more obituaries visit https://wilsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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