Funeral services for Mr. Morris Rickie Corley of Vaiden will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Oliver Funeral Home Chapel in Winona. Officiating will be Rev. Jimmy Leach, assisted by Mr. Durward Stanton, Rev. Terry Corley, and Rev. Donald Self. Interment will follow at Hebron Baptist Church Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons: Aubrey Goss, Corley Goss, Luke Goss, Reid Blaylock, Rhett Blaylock, Drew Hamilton, Braxton Leach, and Brent Woods. Honorary pallbearers include Austin Woods and Jaxon Leach.
Visitation will be held at Oliver Funeral Home on Friday, July 18, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, July 19, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Corley passed away peacefully at his home in Vaiden, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the age of 73. He was born on March 1, 1952, in Vaiden, Mississippi, to Eddie Corley and Wilma Frances Byrd Corley. A lifelong resident of Carroll County, Rickie was a member of Hebron Baptist Church.
He retired in December 2023, after a long and fulfilling career, including 16 years as a supervisor for Carroll County, previous work with Scott Petroleum, and many years spent row crop and cattle farming. In retirement, he found great joy in tending to his cows and spending more time with his loved ones.
Rickie is survived by his beloved wife, Becky Corley of Vaiden; daughters, Tammie Goss (Spence) of Vaiden, Terri Blaylock (Jason) of McCarley, Kayla Hamilton (Jake) of Vaiden, and Abby Leach (Joey) of Poplar Creek; sons, Ryan Woods (Leslie) of Vaiden and Mike McKay of Kilmichael; sisters, Linda Briscoe of Vaiden and Doris Prestridge (Benny) of Purvis; and brother, Ronald Corley (Judy) of Mantachie.
He leaves behind 14 cherished grandchildren: Sara Taylor Lott (Bailey), Aubrey Goss (Anna), Corley Goss (Marilois), Luke Goss, Reid Blaylock, Rhett Blaylock, Drew Hamilton, Hailey Hamilton, Madyson Leach, Braxton Leach, Jaxon Leach, Brent Woods, Austin Woods, and who he absolutely lit up the most sharing about his six great-grandchildren: Spencer Grace Lott, Baylor Lott, Sam Lott, Briggs Goss, Parker Goss, and Millie Anne Goss. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Rickie fought his battle with cancer with a strength and positivity that inspired everyone around him. Friends came to visit constantly, a reflection of the deep impact he had on those who knew him. He often expressed his gratitude for experiencing very little pain throughout his illness, aside from short recovery periods following surgeries. He remained upbeat, thankful, and proud—especially of the moment he could share the news that he had six great-grandchildren.
He deeply loved his wife, his children, and every member of his large and close-knit family. He treasured life in Carroll County and gave thanks to God for the simple blessings he enjoyed daily. Known for his humor and his habit of giving everyone a nickname, Rickie was a man who loved hard, laughed often, and lived with purpose. He had a patriotic spirit and instilled in his family a steadfast devotion to God, family, and country.
Rickie will be profoundly missed.
The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to AccentCare Home Health, especially Jo Beth, Mary Laken, and Katie Beth, for their compassionate care during his journey.
Very special thanks also to Adoration Hospice—especially Gwen, Stacia, and Connie—for their support in helping transition & care for Rickie to spend his final days at home with family in his beloved Carroll County. Their compassion is unmatched.
Memorial contributions may be made to:
Sarcoma Foundation of America
9899 Main Street, Suite 204
Damascus, MD 20872
Online at
www.curesarcoma.org
or
Hebron Baptist Church
Attn: Randy Dees
152 Walker Road
Kilmichael, MS 39747
Rickie and I grew up together and graduated from Vaiden High School. He was a good man and a good friend. He will be missed. May the healing power of Our Savior Jesus Christ hold and comfort each family member and everyone they knew Rickie. He will certainly be missed, but we will see him again.
Ron Collins
When I think of Rickie, I think of that big smile, his kindness, his strong faith in the Lord and how much he loved his family and friends. May each family member experience the comfort, peace, and strength of our Lord Jesus Christ during this time of loss and in the days to follow. My sincere condolences and prayers.
Becky & Family, I was so shocked when I saw this on Facebook just now. I have been out of town today & I was just thinking on my way home that I had to check on y’all. There are no words to comfort you, but what I will say is to Keep your Faith and Hold Tight To Jesus. He Will Definitely Bring you Through these difficult signs.
Love In Christ
Judy Goss Hearon
We are so very sorry to hear this news. We thought the world of Rickie when he was our gas man. Dennis talked to him not that long ago and had a very good visit. Praying for the family as you say goodbye to our friend and your loved one. RIP Rickie! Sorry you didn’t make it till Christmas like you had hoped. Love in Christ
Forever in our hearts, Ricky was a kindhearted, helpful person. He was our road supervisor for many years. I worked with Becky for many years, and they were both kindhearted people, a joy to be around. I am praying for the family, but know God love you and did nothing wrong.
A good man who served and cared for the community.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
This was a kind hearted person if ever knew one, Rickie was our road supervisor , as well as a close friend. God 🙏 bless your family with our deepest condolences to your wife, kids and grandkids.Take your rest we loved you but God loves you best.
This was a kind hearted person if ever knew one, Rickie was our road supervisor , as well as a close friend. God 🙏 bless your family with our deepest condolences to your wife, kids and grandkids.Take your rest we loved you but God loves you best.
Years ago when I was young journalist for the Times/Conservative, a woman came into the board of supervisors meeting with a bulldog on a leash. For some reason, this dog was just staring at me and it made me extremely uncomfortable. This dog was extremely huge and was looking at me as if I was the only person in the room. Mr. Corley along with Supervisor Honey Ashmore saw how uncomfortable I was and they couldn’t keep their cool. When the woman spoke her peace she left with the dog and Mr. Corley asked me, “Reggie, what was that all about.” He was so tickled that he turned red in the face. Years later, in fact, every single time he saw me Mr. Corley would tell me “Man did that bulldog have you scared and he’d turn red in the face with laughter. Ricky Corley you were a major part of my journalism career and you’ll always be remembered. Thanks for the memories.