Robert C. Corley, of Lancaster, CA, born 1934, passed away March 23, 2014 in Lancaster, Calif. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Bee; son, Dan, and daughter Libby; two brothers, Dr. Allen Corley and Dr. Bill Corley; two granddaughters; three great-grandchildren, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, grand nephews and grand nieces. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the Citadel where he was commissioned in the Air Force, a Master’s degree in chemistry from Duke University and a Doctorate degree in chemistry from the University of California in Riverside. In 1958 Bob was assigned, as a Lieutenant in the Air Force, to the Rocket Site on Edwards AFB, Calif. He met Bee and they were married in 1960. He worked at the Rocket Site for three years and then left the Air Force in 1961 to return to the south. In 1966 he returned to Edwards AFB for a civil service career in rocket propulsion. His specialty was chemistry and material science and he worked with rocket propulsion experts in the Dept. of Defense, NASA, industry and foreign governments. He held high-level positions in many national and international organizations. He rose to the rank of Chief Scientist. His first retirement was in 2000 but he remained at the Rocket Site as a civilian technical advisor until his final retirement in 2011. Bob will be cremated and his cremains privately scattered. At his specific request there will be no formal visitation, memorial or funeral services and no donations in his name are requested. His family and friends are well aware that one action will not be frowned upon-a private and quiet raising of a glass for a toast to the fun Bob had on this earth and the things he accomplished.
Tags: 1956
Posted in:
Posted on:
Link to original obituary: