Martin Corley

Martin Ralph Corley, 85, of Irmo,SC passed away on Sunday, September 14,2025, surrounded by family. Born in Columbia, SC, on December 24, 1939, he was the son of Herman W. Corley and Annie Lee Monts Corley. He grew up in the Eau Claire and Irmo areas and attended Irmo High School.

After high school Ralph worked for Greyhound Bus Lines, retiring in 1984. After retirement he used his love of woodworking to open Corley’s Refinishing which operated in the Irmo area for many years.

He also had a great interest in law enforcement, serving as a SC state constable for over 20 years and organizing the SC State Constables Association in 1994. He served for many years as a judge for the Juvenile Arbitration Program, and in 1999, was awarded the Order of the Silver Crescent for his service to the state of SC.

Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Jean Graham Corley; daughter, Debbie Burnside (John); two grandchildren, Jeannie Burnside and Dr. Rebecca Burnside (Shandon); three great-grandchildren, Burns Swindler, Dailey Burnside, and Jack Burnside; special nieces, nephews, and cousin. Ralph was predeceased by brothers Ken Corley and Parris Corley.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Steven Templeton for the compassionate care and friendship he gave Ralph these many months. Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at stjude.org.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.