Obituary of David Dickson Corley

David Dickson Corley died December 6, 2021, after a battle with cancer.David was born in Corsicana, Texas on March 12, 1933, to Jeddy Dickson and John Roberts Corley. David was preceded in death by his brother, Bob Corley of Corsicana. He excelled in academics and sports in grade school and high school in Corsicana. He went on to attend SMU, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta and was captain of the Swim team. He also served in the U.S. Air Force for nine years.David started the successful design firm Minton-Corley with his college friend, Joseph Minton, in 1969. Their new firm immediately acquired several prestigious projects in Texas, Washington D.C., New York, California, and Colorado. Within three years, their work was published in Architectural Digest and several other publications. In 1990, Minton-Corley was chosen to be in the Original AD 100, “An Exclusive Guide to the Worlds’ Finest Interior Designers”.One of his greatest pleasures in life was traveling the world with his wife, Mary, acquiring antiquities for their antique shops in Dallas and Santa Fe. A master of aesthetics, he cultivated an appreciation of beauty and style embodied throughout his life. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.Those closest to him knew him as Dad, David, or Grandaby. Family was always important, which was obvious through his commitment and actions. We are left with many wonderful memories and traditions. Being loyal, supportive, and generous were at the center of his life, and he gave selflessly to his family. He had a strong work ethic and lived a life of integrity. His sound advice was always there, but only when needed. He had a quiet strength – a man of few words who conveyed more with his actions and his eyes. Even to the very end, he could communicate his approval, disapproval, or understanding with just a glance and an occasional accompanying smile.He and Mary, the love of his life, enjoyed 48 years of marriage filled with deep devotion and adventure. He loved spending time with his beloved Whippets, Blush and Ginny. David is survived by his children Ellyn Corley, Charissa Christopher (Mike), David Corley Jr (Dayna),Valerie Petrie (Danny), Beth Gideon (Randy), Bill Runyon (Tanya), and John Runyon (Lisa); his grandchildren, Courtney Lee and Cary Paschall, John Christopher and Anne Vasil, Jeddy Bowen, Madeline Roberts, David III, Daniel, Olivia and Sam Corley, Campbell, Hogan and Corley Petrie, Chelsea Wood and John Randall Gideon, Megan Wilson, William and Weston Runyon, Liam and Ivy Runyon; and his 9 precious great grandchildren.