Harold "Leo" L. Corley

Harold L. “Leo” Corley was born in Atlanta, February 23, 1927, and was called home 90 years later on April 18, 2017. The second of four sons to Sallie Bailey Corley and Luther W. Corley. He was preceded in death by his brothers, William L. Corley and Joseph E. Corley. Leo served one year in the U.S. Navy immediately following graduation from Tech High School in 1945. He was nicknamed “Leo” by his high school football coach, Alan Shi, who called him Leo the Lion. Leo also played shortstop on the school team that won 3 consecutive titles.

After WWII was over, Leo signed a contract and played two years on the St. Louis Cardinals farm teams. He loved to say his contract terms were the same as Yogi Berra’s. An unfortunate bus accident killed several members of his team going to a game in Johnstown, PA, without him due to a game injury. So, Leo decided God had other plans for his life.

He trained in Engineering and Sales with Grinnell Corp, Inc. in Fire Protection Engineering and Installation of automatic sprinkler systems. Later with his lifetime friend, Bob Mitchell, he became owner of Georgia Sprinkler Co, Inc. which installed sprinkler systems in many of the buildings in downtown Atlanta.

Leo was a skilled golfer and was the tournament chairman of the Atlanta Classic Golf Tournament which supported Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. He was also one of the founders of Settin’down Creek Golf Club in Roswell.

Leo is survived by his brother, Charles A. Corley; his wife of 68 years, Allene B. Corley; son, Harold L. Corley, Jr. and wife Patricia; daughter, Donna C. Lee and husband Johnny; daughter, Julia A. Corley; 5 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild; along with many nieces and nephews.

Visitation with family Sunday, April 23rd, from 6:00 to 8:00PM at H.M. Patterson & Son Canton Hill. Funeral services to be held Monday, April 24th, 11:00AM at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church Chapel. Burial at Arlington Memorial Park immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Right from the Heart Ministries, or a charity of your choice.