Brownlie Maxwell

Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home P.A.
1010 E. Palmetto Ave., Melbourne, FL 32901
[email protected]
(321) 723-2345
Brownlie & Maxwell Funeral Home | Melbourne Florida

Bobby “Bob” Workman Corley

Born on May 15, 1932 in Ware Shoals, South Carolina.
Passed on February 13, 2026 in Melbourne, Florida

Bobby “Bob” Workman Corley, 93, of Eau Gallie, Florida passed away peacefully on February 13th, 2026 surrounded by his loving family at his home of over 60 years.

Bobby is survived by his four children, Candyce (David) Koshinski, Kevin (Patti) Corley, Russell Corley, and Kristi (David) Sexton; 7 grandchildren: Corey (Amanda) Koshinski, Cassie Nan, Colt Corley, Maegan (Jim) O’Connell, Ben Corley, Tyler Sexton, and Kate Corley; 4 great-grandchildren: Maddie, Makayla, Cheyenne, and Emma; and his brother, Aubry Corley.

He is preceded in death by his devoted wife of 67 years, Helen Stutts Corley, his parents Benjamin and Louise Corley, his brother Billie R. Corley, stepmother Nellie Corley, and sisters Betty Amick, Patsy Bobb, and Sally Kinard.

Bobby was born in Ware Shoals, SC on May 15th, 1932 but spent his formative years in Newberry, SC where he was known as an excellent athlete in many sports, earning him the superlative “Most Athletic” in his senior year. The sport he was most known for, however, was played underneath the Friday night stadium lights with his future wife, Helen, cheering him on from the sidelines. Bob would be described in the local newspapers as playing the position of the “smashing fullback” for the Newberry High School Bulldogs football team.

Before leaving high school, Bobby began his military career serving in the National Guard of South Carolina from 1949-1951, followed by enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1951. He served his country for four years and was on active duty during the Korean War, flying on C-47’s as an Airborne Radio Operator. After his time in Korea, Bobby was to be stationed at Patrick Air Force Base in Satellite Beach, FL., but he knew he couldn’t leave South Carolina without his favorite cheerleader.

In fact, on July 3rd, 1954 at a small gathering in Fountain Inn, SC, Bob married Helen Mae Stutts, the one true love of his life. Together they would move to Florida and begin a beautiful life in Melbourne, FL. Their time together created many memories of laughter, music, and devotion as they were rarely seen apart from each other. Helen would happily join Bobby at the gun range to throw clays for him, many road trips, shopping (mostly at Bass Pro) and all things in between. Their home was always a place of comfort and love, being the gathering point for amazing friends and four generations of family.

Bobby was a cherished member of his family. He was an active cheerleader at events for his kids and “grandbabies” including homecoming parades, band competitions, hockey and baseball games, and choir concerts. He would be the first shooting, fishing, and hunting mentor for his sons, daughters, and many grandchildren, passing along his years of experience and skill. Bobby, also being a self-taught musician, absolutely adored teaching his grandkids how to play guitar and bass, earning himself many new family band members. Some of his grandkids favorite memories of him would be sitting in his “music room” listening to him play guitar and bass alongside tracks to timeless country songs with his foot keeping time to the beat.

Bobby’s most joyous role was definitely being our quick-witted “Pop” to our family, but also anyone who needed one in their lives. Bobby was a man of faith and lived a long and fulfilling life. To remember Bobby, our favorite “Pop”, make sure to visit your local diner next Sunday morning, laugh with your family, and make sure to not leave until your sweet tea is finished.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Promise in Brevard (promiseinbrevard.com/donate-to-promise).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday March 14th, 2026, at the GFWC Community Woman’s Club Cocoa Village, 5 Rosa L Jones Dr, Cocoa, FL 32922. Visiting hours will be from 11:30a.m. to 12:30p.m. Services will begin at 12:30 p.m. There will be a family graveside service to follow.

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”- 1Thessalonians 5:18

Guestbook Entry

 
 
 
 
 
 
Fields marked with * are required.
5 entries.
Roz Thrash from Melbourne, Florida wrote on March 18, 2026:
Bob was a dear friend of many, many years. Our friendship started at Harris in building 17 and continued for over 40 years. He was always a gentleman with a kind heart, sense of humor and deep love of his family and friends. He will be missed, but we are better having known him and his wife, Helen.
Pam and Tim Bennett from Aiken wrote on March 10, 2026:
The Corelys are the reason my mom, Fran, stayed in Melbourne so long. Bob and Helen were always welcoming and treated us like family. Bob’s unique knowledge base and often dry sense of humor kept us engaged and laughing. We will miss you.
Dollie Tuttle from Cross Hill, SC wrote on March 4, 2026:
Uncle Bobby - the one and only!!! As I read the obit, I smiled with tears flowing. So many wonderful memories of “Helen and Bobby.” Needless to say, they were special in my life!
John Lucht Jr. from Palm Bay wrote on February 26, 2026:
Bob was such a kind and funny guy. I always enjoyed spending time at the Corley’s house…they were family. I never saw Bob without a smile…he had such a great sense of humor that I will always cherish. Growing up in that neighborhood was very special and the Corley’s were a big part of that. I am so sorry for the loss of Bob & Helen. May the fond memories never fade.
John & Kay Lucht from Palm Bay wrote on February 24, 2026:
Bob was a wonderful family man! Always funny, caring,. He was our neighbor for twenty plus years until we moved. We love the Corleys and they were and always will be family to us. Rest in peace with your precious Helen. Our condolences to all in the family. Love, The Luchts

Print Friendly, PDF & Email