Thomas A. Corley, Jr.

Thomas A. Corley, Jr., 93, of Morganton, passed away Sunday, July 25, 2021. Born in Burke County on October 31, 1927, he was the son of Thomas A. Corley, Sr. and Sadie Lane Corley.

Thomas was committed to service for Burke County. He was a member of the Jaycees and the Morganton Optimist Club where he served as President. He was also a Member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, a patriotic organization. He served as both a local and State Counselor as well as a long-time board member of the Children’s Home in Lexington. He was a Mason, Shriner, and a member of American Legion Post 21 as a World War II Naval veteran. He, along with others, was instrumental in the development of the Burke County Museum and served on its board as well as serving many hours as a volunteer.

He served as a Morganton City Councilman and Chairman of the Morganton City Board of Elections.

He retired from the State of North Carolina as Personnel Director of Broughton Hospital. His work history also included working at Western Piedmont Community College, Western Correctional Center, NC Employment Security Commission, and Plant Manager of Doblin Mills.

A lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, he was a member of the Aldersgate Class and taught the Men’s Bible class for many years.

Mr. Corley is survived by his children, Susan Corley Fetner (Adam); Thomas A. Corley, III (Deb); Steven Brian Corley (Karen); and Edie Corley Callahan (Charlie). Grandsons, Josh Paris (Amy); and Neal Callahan (fiancé Mary). Step grandchildren, Seth Van Buren (Jenny); Eric Van Buren; and Melinda Van Buren. Great grandchildren: Taylor Grace, Seth Jr., Steven, Emily, Jordan, Alexandra, and Laura.

In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Vonnie Bass Corley. Due to the continued health crisis, a private family graveside service will be held for Mr. Corley at Forest Hill Cemetery. Reverend Paul Thompson will officiate, and military honors will be provided by the United States Navy.

Memorials for Thomas may be sent to The History Museum of Burke County, P.O. Box 416, Morganton, NC 28655 or Amoren (formerly Burke Hospice), 902 Kirkwood St. NW, Lenoir, NC.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with the arrangements.