Elford Leonell Corley

LEXINGTON – Elford Leonell Corley, 91, departed this earthly life for God’s heavenly kingdom on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. Born on May 29, 1920, he was the son of Walter P. and Verlie A. Corley. He worked as a cabinet maker at Columbia Lumber Company for forty-five years until his retirement in 1987. He was a skilled craftsman who took great pride in the furniture he built.

A lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, he was a man of quiet and unquestioning faith. He played church league fast pitch softball into his mid-fifties and he was known to teammates and opponents alike by his nickname “Hector”. He enjoyed fishing and hunting small game, especially squirrel and rabbit that often graced his table. For most of his life, he was noted for his extensive vegetable gardens, whose bounty was enjoyed by family and friends.

Elford is survived by his sons, Myron F. (Linda) Corley and Bruce M. Corley; grandchildren, Erin C. (Matthew) Titus and Brian A. Corley, and great-granddaughter, Ashley R. Titus. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife of almost sixty-three years, Margaret F. Corley; brothers, Harvey K. Corley, Homer C. Corley and sister, Merle C. Buff.

The family will greet visitors from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 27, 2012 at Caughman-Harman Funeral home, Lexington Chapel. Funeral services and burial will be conducted at Zion Lutheran Church, 226 Corley Mill Road, Lexington at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2012. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church. A special thanks to Lutheran Hospice and BeWell Home Services for the care and comfort extended to Elford and his family.