Funeral services for Mr. Morris Rickie Corley of Vaiden were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, at the Oliver Funeral Home Chapel in Winona. Officiating the services were Rev. Jimmy Leach, assisted by Mr. Durward Stanton, Rev. Terry Corley, and Rev. Donald Self. Interment followed at Hebron Baptist Church Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers were his grandsons: Aubrey Goss, Corley Goss, Luke Goss, Reid Blaylock, Rhett Blaylock, Drew Hamilton, Braxton Leach, and Brent Woods. Honorary pallbearers were Austin Woods and Jaxon Leach.
Visitation was held at Oliver Funeral Home on Friday, July 18, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., and again on Saturday, July 19, from 9 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.
Oliver Funeral Home of Winona handled the arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.ofhwinona.com.
