Dr. E.A. Corley (Al) passed away at his home on July 7, 2017, with his wife Meredith by his side, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Services will be held at Memorial Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m.
Al was born August 12, 1931 in Greenwood, South Carolina to Blanche and Everette Corley. He was the eldest of three sons. During his high school years he worked on the farm where the seed of veterinary medicine was planted! He worked for the local veterinarian cleaning out small animal kennels and assisting in minor surgeries.
He married Carol Bishop on March 22, 1951, the mother of his sons, Rick and David. Also, he earned his undergraduate degree in animal husbandry from Clemson A&M. His DVM degree was put on hold to serve in the Korean War as First and Second Lieutenant Platoon leader in the infantry, attached to the famous Rainbow and Thunder Divisions, receiving two bronze stars and the Purple Heart.
After returning home in 1953, he began his veterinary medical studies at the University of Georgia earning his DVM degree in 1957. Teaching was his passion and he stayed at the college until 1963 when he started a PhD program in radiology at Colorado State University.
In 1966 with his new degree in hand, he accepted a faculty position at the University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine, where he served as Associate professor, Professor of Vet Medicine and Surgery, and Associate Dean. Al was instrumental in helping build the radiology department. During his tenure, he received many honors and awards for his teaching and leadership skills.
Al had been affiliated with the Orthopedic Foundation since 1967. After his retirement from MU in 1989, he took over as the organization’s Director and later President. The OFA worked closely with dog breeders all over the world and the American Kennel Club. IN 1996 he retired from OFA, but continued to read radiographs as a consultant until this year.
Al and Meredith married in April of 1992 and have enjoyed 25 wonderful years of marriage. They traveled extensively in the early years but slowed down after retirement and the onset of his illness. He enjoyed time with family and, as an avid Mizzou fan, looked forward to the start of football and basketball, always hoping for a better season.
He is survived by his loving wife, Meredith, brother and sister-in-law, Dr. William (Bill) Corley (Sally), sons Rick (Mary) and David (Carolyn), step-son Richard (Kathy) and step-daughter Robin (Tenny), ten exceptional grandchildren—Heather (Matt), Jordan (Dan), Drew, Bryan (Amber), Kyle (Kelli), Sarah (Lucas), Meghan, Haleigh, Hannah, Luke and eleven great grandchildren—Lexi, Brent, Cayden, Landon, Xander, Zoe, Bailey, Mason, Ashlynn, Raini and Aurora.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Blanche (Woodle) and Everette Corley, his first wife Carol Bishop and his brother, Dr. Robert (Bob) Corley.
Al will be missed by all who loved him—he was truly a good and great man.
Special thanks from the family to Boone Hospital Hospice group for the care and comfort provided. All of you were a true blessing during a difficult time.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Humane Society and/or the Salvation Army.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Memorial Funeral Home/Columbia.
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