Daniel Joel Corley

Daniel Joel Corley was fully healed on June 9, 2024, at the age of 73. Dan, a kind, gentle, generous, thoughtful soul, was a lover of cats, classic rock and roll music, giraffes, word search puzzles, Jeopardy!, Coca-Colas, and all things sweet.

He was known for his clever acronyms which he included in birthday and Christmas cards, for his extensive vocabulary, and for his ability to name a song at its first note. He was a voracious reader who collected and read every Agatha Christie mystery.

Dan served as a reference librarian at Delta State University for 24 years. Students sought out “Dan, Dan, the library man” when they needed information on challenging subjects due to his relentless searches.

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 21, he courageously bore the debilitating effects of the disease with a positive attitude. Diagnosed with short term memory loss which progressed into dementia, he spent his last years in memory care facilities and always had a smile for every visitor.

Born to Thomas B. and Iva Mae Corley on May 22, 1951, in Hattiesburg, MS, he was active in and a life-long member of Parkway Heights Methodist Church. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1972 with a B.S. degree in social studies and from Florida State University in 1974 with a masters degree in library science.

Dan leaves behind his sister, Tommye, and her husband and friend, Tom Henderson, of Clinton, and his beloved nieces, Corley Brice and her husband Rob, of Clinton, and Hollye Henderson of Jackson.

Special gratitude is extended to the care givers and nurses in the memory care unit at Clinton Brookdale Assisted Living Facility, to the hospice staff with HomeCare Hospice, to Rev. David Steveline and the Naomi Circle members at Clinton First Methodist Church, and to Dr. Ruth Fredericks. Dan will be remembered for many things, including his big heart, but especially for his favorite mantra: “Happy day! Happy everything!” He was truly a good man.

A private service was held by the family, with burial at Highland Cemetery in Hattiesburg. Memorial gifts may be made to the Mississippi Animal Rescue League or to a charity of your choice.