Rex Oliver Corley, Jr

Rex Oliver Corley, Jr. was born November 4, 1938, in Houston, Texas to parents Rex Oliver, Sr and Jewell (Gore) Corley.

After the passing of our beloved Pawpaw, a dear friend of the family told us the following:  You could not be in a room with Rex Corley for less than 5 minutes without knowing exactly who he was and for what he stood. Hence the cross and Star of David that hung proudly around his neck.

A native Texan who was born in Houston, Dad spent his entire childhood and young adult life in Beaumont, growing up with his two sisters, Pattie and Alyce, on Central Drive.

His work ethic and goal setting started at an early age, heavily influenced by his time in Scouting. Motivated by success, he took a paper route around the age of twelve. He would wake up early, hop on his bike and pedal to Plettman’s to pick up the newspapers, fold them, and deliver them to people’s doorsteps before they awakened to a new day.

Rex was part of the graduating Class of 1956 at Beaumont High School. As we read his annuals, we found notes that addressed him with such fun names as “Sexy Rexy” and “Rip Roaring Rex.”  Every single inscription stated how he was a nice guy, was sparkling and peppy, and such a good friend. A few of our favorites referred to him as a swell guy and a good buddy. He thoroughly enjoyed being involved with his high school reunions, attending the very last one in 2017. Friendship and family were of the utmost importance to him.

Rex and Merlene met when they both worked for General Electric Credit Corporation in Beaumont. They married on September 7, 1963 and went on to have 3 children. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary a few days before Rex's passing.

Rex finished his Business Degree and graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont while working full time. He worked for General Electric for 35 years where he won numerous awards and was granted amazing trips. After all those years working for GE, he built and kept a substantial number of relationships which led him to his next opportunities with Campo Appliance in New Orleans and Whirlpool in Michigan until he retired at 58.

After retiring, Rex moved on to his next stage of life. It was during this time that he and Merlene took their most favorite trip of all; a trip to the Holy Land in Israel where they were both baptized together in the River Jordan. Together they have spent the last 24 years pouring Jesus into the hearts of those around them; their children, grandchildren, friends, church members, strangers. This was truly his found purpose.

Rex is survived by his loving wife Merlene Corley, children Kyle Corley and his wife Lisa, Kim Sunlin and her husband Dave, Kari Garrick, and her husband Chris; grandchildren Abby, Maddie and Dylan Corley, Linsey Atchison, Jake, Breck and Finn Sunlin, Rex, Rhys, Rush and Coco Garrick; great grandchildren Ian Corley; siblings Pattie Walker and her husband Bill, Alyce Clark and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate the Rex’s life, Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Chase Oaks Church, 281 Legacy Dr, Plano, Texas with Oscar McGinnis officiating.  A reception will follow after the service in the Legacy Room.  If you wish to view the service by webcast, please visit:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84130179966?pwd=aThFenJRUDlObU9qRDZNQTBUbWJiZz09

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made in Rex's name to Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child. This was one of his favorite things to do with his grandchildren. https://samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

The family respectfully requests that you are fully vaccinated before attending the funeral. We will be following mask guidelines as set forth by Chase Oaks Church, so please bring a mask. There will be ample room for social distancing.