Robert Cleveland Corey

Robert Cleveland Corey, also known as Granddaddy, Dad, Cleve, and Bob, left us on June 27, 2023 to begin his journey home to be with his precious Lord and dearly loved wife, Peggy. Cleveland (Bob) is preceded in death by his parents, William Benjamin Corey and Ollie May Corey. He is predeceased by his loving sister Melrose Anderson and husband Andy, and his cherished brother John Corey and wife Charlotte.

Cleveland was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, and graduated from Andrew Jackson High School where he met the love of his life, Peggy O’Steen. They shared 61 years of a glorious marriage filled with love, laughter, and family. He went on to graduate from Jacksonville University and went to work at Western Electric. Cleveland served eight years in the Naval/Air Reserves in Jacksonville, Florida where he was honored to be able to fly into the eye of a hurricane. He spent 33 years with Western Electric as a purchasing manager that eventually took him to Columbus Ohio, and finally to his home in Jamestown, North Carolina. Cleveland somehow became known as Bob during his career and was only fondly called Cleveland by his family. Bob came to Jamestown in 1974 and was a founding member of Jamestown Presbyterian Church where he still remained part of the church family. Bob was a devout Christian and believed in the power of prayer. After his retirement from Western Electric in 1989, he got his real estate license and partnered with his wife, Peggy, at Bow Stafford Reality in Jamestown until they decided it was time to assist in the raising of their grandchildren.

Bob was a sports enthusiast. His absolute favorites were golf, football, and surf fishing. He was a devoted fan of the Florida Gators and had ongoing bets and rivalry with his brother, JW, on who was the best team. He created a golf tournament in the family where yearly trophies could be won. His ultimate passion beside his Peggy was his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He instilled a legacy with each of them that will serve them through their lives and be passed on to future generations. He cherished his boys and encouraged them in sports. However, all his girls knew that they needed to find a husband like Granddaddy. He loved family vacations and gatherings where games were always a big part of the reunion and usually instigated the laughter.

Robert is survived by daughter, Teri Corey Gregory (and husband Jeff), and son Rob Corey (and wife Jeannie). He had five grandchildren that were deeply loved and treasured. Grandchildren are Megan Dagenhart, Parker Corey (fiancée Alec Cobb), Lauren Gregory (fiancée Alec Peters), Will Corey, and Riley Anne Corey. He had three great grandchildren that knew his love, prized his stories, and appreciated family gatherings with the laughter he instilled into them. Great Grandchildren are Mia, Dalton, and Layla. His philosophy on life was loving your children, teach them to live the best life possible, lead them with laughter, and let them have a legacy that would be honored. Bob was blessed with many loving nieces and nephews, their families, and devoted friends and neighbors.

The Memorial Service will be a private service for family. The family asks that any donations be made to the Hamil-Kerr Challenge (Supporting Parkinson’s Patients) in honor of his Peggy and in care of Jamestown Presbyterian, 1804 Guilford College Road, Jamestown, NC 27282.