Committal
Darryl Edward Corley, 73, of Connelly Springs, NC passed away on Monday, May 15, 2023. He was born on November 26, 1949 in Atlanta, GA, to the late Horace Edward Corley and Mary McCormick Corley.
Darryl was a graduate of Union High School in Union, SC where he was co-captain of the football team and ran track. He was inducted into the Union High School Hall of Fame in 2001. Darryl graduated from Gardner Webb University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He later earned a Master of Education degree from the University of SC and a second master’s degree in school administration from Gardner Webb University. Darryl proudly played running back on the GWU Bulldogs football team. He enjoyed being an educator and retired from Burke County Public Schools after years of teaching and being a school administrator. In addition, Darryl was a realtor and served on the Burke County Board of Realtors. Darryl was in his element when surrounded by nature. He never met a mountain, cloud or tree that he couldn’t appreciate. Darryl’s pride and joy was the cabin he hand built overlooking his pond on his beloved farm at Attacoa Trace. An accomplished singer, songwriter, and self-taught musician, Darryl enjoyed performing with various bluegrass and Americana bands over the years as well as performing as a solo artist.
Darryl is survived by his wife, Leslie Sides Corley; children, Bart Corley (Penney) of Sarasota, FL, Carrie Corley Brackett (Danny) of Drexel, NC and Caleb Corley of Connelly Springs; sister, Judy Corley Ackley (Todd) of Kirtland, New Mexico.
The family will receive friends from 2pm until 4pm, Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Sossoman Funeral Home. A celebration of Darryl’s life will be held on May 27, 2023 from 3:00 to 5:00 at the White Family River Cabin at 5157 Powerhouse Rd, Morganton, NC. There will be an opportunity to share memories of Darryl during an informal service between 4:30 to 5:00. Everyone is welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, Darryl would encourage everyone to support their local musicians.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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So terribly sad to hear of Darryl’s death. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time!
Leslie, Thinking of you and your family at this most difficult time. I pray for strength and peace to each of you and that the memories you made will sustain you. My most deepest sympathies, Elaine
I was so very saddened to learn of Darryl's transition from this plain to the next. I have no doubt that he will be sitting with the rest of the Angels continuing to play good music. To the family I offer my sincere condolences.
Prayers lifted for family and friends. 🙏🙏Definitely one of the best! Great teacher and encourager. Wonderful memories from Glen Alpine Jr. High. Loved hearing him sing
I’m so sorry to hear this..absolutely one of my favorite teachers from Glen Alpine…he made everyday fun and always a laugh in his class and he was so talented..he definitely made a difference in his students lives.Rest in peace Mr Corley
Darryl will be truly missed. Leslie and Caleb, if you need anything please let us know.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you Karen Riley
Wow-what a shock. He was easily one of my favorite teachers of all time. He was so personable to us students and made science so interesting. I used to love the back-and-forth good-natured ribbing between Mr. Corley and Mr. Bill Morgan at GA Junior High...like a floor show before all the classes. He tried his best to teach me to play the guitar...alas to no avail given my clear lack of talent at that endeavor. The last time I saw him was when he did a "Back-porch" concert at CoMMA several years ago. Thank you Mr. Corley for the devotion to your students, thank you for your field trips, thank you for your humor, thank you for all you did for my era at GA. Condolences to the family...
Leslie and family, So sorry to hear this. May God give you and your family comfort and peace during this difficult time. In my thoughts and prayers, Joyce McCall