Johnny Ray Corley

Johnny Ray Corley, 67, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away on August 22, 2025. Born in Sweetwater, Texas, on September 19, 1957, Johnny grew up with a love of music, sports, and the open Texas sky. He attended high school in Sweetwater, Texas, until the 11th grade, later earning his GED in the early 1990s when he entered the police academy. Johnny proudly served as City Marshal in Skellytown, TX, patrolling the streets and protecting the community for several years. Afterward, he went back to his true calling on the open road, spending most of his adult life driving an 18-wheeler. On May 31, 1986, Johnny married the love of his life, JoAnne. Together they raised three children and shared a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure until her passing on December 31, 2013. Even after her passing, Johnny’s devotion to his family never wavered. He loved being a dad, always willing to be silly, and he adored his role as “Papa” to his grandchildren. He continued to care for and support his children through their adult lives, offering guidance, strength, and love when they needed it most. Music was a lifelong passion for Johnny. He was an accomplished drummer who could always find a rhythm, whether behind a drum set or tapping out a beat with his hands. He also carried a deep love for sports—playing baseball in high school and later in slow-pitch softball leagues before coaching his own children when he could no longer play himself. An old-school country cowboy at heart, Johnny enjoyed camping and watching old westerns, was a loyal Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers fan, and never lost his love for the simple joys of life. Above all, he cherished his family—his children, his grandchildren, and his beloved dogs, who were always by his side. Johnny is survived by his children: son Eriac and wife Stefanie of Amarillo, son Byron and wife Micki of Pampa, and daughter Kayla and husband Richard of Groom. He was a proud Papa to 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Theodore and Shannon, his sisters Debra and Becky and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, JoAnne; his brothers Buddy and Frank; his sister Renee; his father E.L. Corley and stepmother Minnie; and his mother Clara and stepfather Arden Anderson. On October 29, 2012, Johnny survived an oilfield explosion that left him 100% disabled. Though the years that followed were marked with pain and hardship, he faced them with resilience and courage. Today, his family takes comfort in knowing that he is finally free from suffering and at peace.

Tributes

Johnny Ray Corley

September 19, 1957 - August 22, 2025