Willie A. Corley, Sr., age 93, of Sutter Creek, California, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2019. He was born in Jackson, Mississippi, on August 26, 1926. While he was in the Navy (1944-1946), he spent time in the Pacific during World War II. After he got out of the Navy, he went to work for the Mississippi Power & Light Company. Later he went to work for Spencer Chemical (who was later bought out by Shell Oil Company) in Mississippi where he spent ten years in operations and an additional ten years in maintenance. He came to California with his wife, Patsy and his family, in 1978 and went to work at the Army Depot as an electrical equipment repairman for two years. Following that he was hired on at McClellan AFB's Airborne Rewind Shop. During that time, he worked on generators and stators for the C-141, C-135, E-3A, A-10, F-16, S-3A, F-15, and the B-52B aircraft. He retired from McClellan in March 1993. A little over a year later, in December 1994, his beloved wife of over 40 years, Patsy Corley, passed away. Willie was a member of The American Legion and The Veterans of Foreign Wars. He had a passion for watching televised baseball and football games, playing golf, making model airplanes, and enjoying his car. He spent much time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and they enjoyed his sense of humor, kindness, and generosity very much. Everyone he came in contact with enjoyed his friendly personality, easy-going style, and his detectable southern accent was often admired.
He is survived by his children: Gaynell Perry, Will Corley, John Corley, & Camille Robinson; and his grandchildren: Christopher Corley, Meredith Thompson, Brandi Bremer, Jake Baker, Gwendolen Robinson, and Raiden Robinson.
Funeral arrangements will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at 10 a.m., at Sunset Lawn, Chapel of the Chimes, 4701 Marysville Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95838