Melvin Corley
December 14, 1940 - February 3, 2026 (Age 85)
Corriganville, MD- Melvin “Mel” Wayne Corley, 85, Corriganville, MD died Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at his home.
Born in Barrelville in 1940, Mr. Corley was the son of the late Melvin E. and Zeppie (Martin) Corley.
Mel graduated from Meyersdale High school and was a self-taught mechanic. After high school, he managed several Texaco gas stations in Mt. Savage and later LaVale. In 1963, the family moved to Corriganville where Mel spent several years doing vehicle repairs in his home basement while working 2nd shift at Kelly Springfield Tire Company. In 1974, he built and opened Valley Speed Shop, later Valley Automotive Center, where he worked until age 84 when his health no longer allowed it. He was able to enjoy a 50th Anniversary car show he arranged and was supported by many friends and car club members.
Mel enjoyed car shows, racing, and watching sports and westerns on television. He participated in racing events at Jennerstown, Bedford, and Cumberland, among a few others.
Mel is survived by his wife of 63 years: Elizabeth (Phillippi) Corley; his sons: Dave and wife Cindy; Dale and wife Sheri; his grandchildren: David and wife Jennifer; Brittney (Jacob), and Garrett (Jasmine); and his great- grandchildren: Elena, Azlynn, and James. He is also survived by a sister: Linda Denton, Montana; and a sister-in-law: Gloria (Skip), Hyde, Oregon.
A viewing will be held at Adams Family Funeral Home, P.A., 404 Decatur Street, Cumberland, MD(www.adamsfamilyfuneralhome.com) on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. A funeral service will begin at 1:00 P.M. Pastors Hal and Ann Atkins officiating.
Interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Barrelville Presbyterian Church, C/0: Doris Bittner, P.O. Box 194, Corriganville, MD 21524 or to Friends of the Allegany County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 566, Cumberland, MD 21501-0566.