Charles Philip Corley, 65

Charles Philip Corley, 65, of Fleming Island, FL passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2017.  Charles (who was better known as Phil) was born in Manhattan, NY and spent his youth in Stamford, CT.  He graduated from Rippowam High class of 1970.  He moved to Lake worth, FL where he met his wife and his three daughters were born.  Phil and his family moved to Orange Park, FL in 1995.

He served in the US Navy as an aviation electrician (stationed in Key West, FL) and was extremely proud of being a veteran.  Following his service in the US Navy he worked at GMAC in Lake Worth, FL until retiring.  He was always able to fix anything that needed repair around the house and anything involving a motor.

His family was his top priority, as he loved them dearly.  Phil did everything for his loving wife of 38 years, Debra, whom he loved deeply.  He was so proud of his family, he encouraged them to pray every day and taught them everything he knew, even teaching his daughters how to change the oil in their cars.  He would stop whatever he was doing to help them with anything they needed, as he was always just a phone call away.  As his kids were growing up, they enjoyed boating, camping and trips in the RV.

He enjoyed playing the guitar and entertaining others with his musical talent.  He had quite the collection of motorcycles and enjoyed riding them.   Phil was always giving to others and was always willing to help anyone in need.  He was well known for his large sense of humor, sometimes saying jokes at the most inappropriate times to cheer people up.  His dogs (Tyson, Sophie and Princess) were the light of his life and kept him very active.  In his retirement years he loved spending time with his dogs and friends at Dunkin Donuts.

Phil is preceded in death by his parents – Clifton Corley, Jr. and Dorothy Philips Corley; sister – Cynthia Corley; and nephew – Travis Williams.  He is survived by his loving wife – Debra Holtzclaw Corley; three daughters – Heather Turner, Tiffany Corley (Kirk Pereau), and Keeley Corley (Cole Martin); four grandchildren – Priscilla, Leilani, Isabella, Cameron and one on the way, Brooklyn; one brother – Russ Corley; and two nieces – Calista Freitag and Cassandra Townshend.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 6, 2017 at 11am in the chapel of Russell Haven of Rest.  Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to service time.  Burial will follow in Jacksonville National Cemetery with military honors at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/donation.do?cID=14262&pID=24671&sc_icid=wtg-lz-donatenow.

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043.  Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com  904-284-7720