Ray Corbly

Ray Will Corbly

Born June 1 1919 Died February 22, 2013

Ray began his life in Jacksonville, Oregon, in his early years he moved often with his family to different logging locations within the states of Oregon and Washington. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Corbly; his mother, Ethel Corbly both of Watsonville, sisters, Joy Latham, Marysville, CA and Velda Dillon, Watsonville and Pittsburgh, PA. Ray leaves a dear brother, Earl Corbly, of Mountain Home, Arkansas and sister-in-law Betty Corbly, also of Mountain Home. A niece, Nancy Mathews of Yuba City, CA; Nephews, Donald Dillon of Pittsburgh, PA, and Douglas Dillon, Vonore, TN. And special caregiver Dolores Austria (Dee).

Ray lived in Watsonville from the age of 14. He honored his country with his service in the United States Army during World War II beginning in 1942. He was stationed in Italy and Northern Africa. He had many fond memories of all the beautiful places he visited while stationed in Italy. The Blue Grotto, off the Island of Capri being a very special memory. Upon returning to Watsonville in 1945, he worked several jobs and in 1948 began his career at the Kaiser Magnesia Plant as an operating engineer for 28 years.

Ray enjoyed many trips in the Western United States and Canada to our national parks and points of interest. He enjoyed camping in those parks either alone or with his brother Earl. He lead a simple life and understood the value of the dollar and exercised it. He enjoyed music and was so very proud of his vinyl record collection. Ray enjoyed reading a wide variety of books and was gifted with such a bright mind until the very end. A truly delightful conversationalist and will be truly missed.

A military memorial service will be held in memory of Ray at the VFW, 1960 Freedom Boulevard, Watsonville, CA on Thursday, February 28 at 2:00pm.