Vernon Eugene Corley, also known as “Pete” of Branch, Arkansas, died Monday, July 28, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born on June 3, 1934, in the Washburn Community near Booneville, Arkansas, to the late Archie Melvin Corley and Mary Elizabeth (Hays) Corley. He was 91 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Lizzy Corley; his wife, Grace Ann (Williams) Corley; and his brother, Bobby Corley.
Pete was a 1954 graduate of Booneville High School. For many years, Pete worked at Garrison Furniture in Fort Smith and retired from Stark Manufacturing in Paris. He had a special love for animals, especially cats. One thing he made sure of, whether it was his own pet or a stray, they had plenty of food to eat. He loved his family and friends very much and will be missed by all who knew him.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 31st at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Tim Hobbs officiating. Burial will follow at Morris Cemetery in Bloomer, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.
He is survived by a daughter, Debbie Shepard of Mulberry; a son, A.J. Corley and wife Kathy of Jasper; five grandchildren, Shanda Hood and husband Tim of Fayetteville, David Pennington and wife Petria of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Joey Shepard and wife Melissa of Van Buren, T.J. Corley of Little Rock, and Charlie Shepard and wife Kimberly of Branch; and ten great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers are A.J. Corley, Tim Hood, Charlie Shepard, Joey Shepard, David Pennington, and Ted Sexton.
The family will visit with friends starting at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday with the service starting at 2:00 p.m.
To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.