LAURENCE LESTER CORLEY, SR.
After graduating from Madisonville High School, Laurence L. “Larry” Corley, Sr attended the Allen Military Academy on a basketball scholarship for one year. He then moved to Huntsville and enrolled at Sam Houston in 1943.
As did many other students during the early 1940’s, Corley left Sam Houston for a brief period to serve in World War II. After completing his tour of duty in the military he returned to Sam Houston and received his bachelor of professional accounting degree from Sam Houston State Teachers College in 1948.
Corley immediately began his teaching career at Sam Houston in 1948 while he continued as a student working towards his master’s degree in accounting which he received in 1950. He continued his education with extensive work towards his doctorate at the University of Texas.
Corley was a professor in the College of Business at Sam Houston for 39 years until his retirement in 1987. He served as chairman of the department of general business for four years. He was the homecoming parade marshal for over 35 years and served on the insurance, registration, and commencement committees. Corley was a sponsor of the Esquire Club from 1948 until the club affiliated with Delta Tau Delta in the early 60’s.
The student government association awarded Corley as teacher of the year from 1982-1983. This award not only recognized his excellence in academic teaching but for his positive influence on students though him being a model of his own teaching of honesty, integrity, and work ethics.
Because of his dedication and faithful service to the field of education at Sam Houston State University as well as the impact that he had on other faculty and his many students, Corley was honored by the Sam Houston Alumni Association with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1987.
Corley also served in the civic and humanitarian capacity, including involvement in the First United Methodist Church for over 40 years, the American Legion, and the Elks Lodge. He was a member of the Huntsville Kiwanis Club for 14 years, serving as president and achieving perfect attendance for 12 years. Corley served on the Huntsville City Council from 1975 through 1984 and was Mayor Pro Tem from 1982 though 1984.
Until his death in 1987, Larry Corley was married to Naomi Jane Edwards Corley for 43 years. They lived in Huntsville where they raised their four children, Sandra, Larry, Pamela and Kimberly.