Gregory Harlan Willey's Obituary
Gregory Harlan Willey, 73, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at his home in Knoxville.
Greg was born to Richard & Marjorie (Bumgarner) Willey on June 13, 1951 in Bloomfield, Iowa. He was later joined by Jeff and Brad and was quick to participate in all of the mischievous shenanigans that three active boys could imagine. Greg grew up in Corydon and participated in many youth sports. He was proud to be a member of the 1968 boys high school state qualifying basketball team. Greg graduated from Wayne Community High School in 1969.
Greg continued his education and received a technical degree in drafting from Western Tech College in Boulder, Colorado. He returned to Corydon and started his 48 year career with Johnson Machine Works Inc. in Chariton. Greg wore many hats, held many roles within the company, and became a go-to expert on almost all aspects of the business. He was driven by a strong work ethic and was dedicated to this field and his work family. Greg retired from Johnson Machine Works in May 2018.
Greg met Melinda Shipley in high school and they started dating again in early 1971. They were united in marriage on July 9, 1971. To this union came two children: Tina and Joe. Greg was a proud father and grandfather who enjoyed nothing more than spending his time coaching, watching, and cheering on his kids and grandkids. And occasionally yelling at the officiating!
Greg loved his annual fishing trip to Canada with his fishing buddies. It was one of the highlights he looked forward to and prepared for each year. He was also an avid bowler and golfer. He participated in the men's golf league at the Corydon Golf Course for many years. Greg also loved family trips including many trips to Colorado, an Alaskan cruise with Brad and Tori, and many trips with Melinda supporting Caitlin Clark. Greg also had a very close group of friends and family that he loved to tailgate with at Iowa football games for many years. It gave him great pride and joy to take an annual family boys' trip to several NFL football stadiums and games.
Greg is survived by his wife Melinda of over 53 years and their dog Effie; daughter and son-in-law Tina and Eric Cox of Knoxville; son and daughter-in-law Joe and Stacey Willey of Urbandale; grandchildren Rylan, Bode, Marlea, and Macy Cox; Claire and Brendan Willey; great grandchild Weston Cox; siblings Jeff Willey, Brad and Torina Willey and numerous extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral service will be 5:00 PM, Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon. Visitation will be all day Tuesday at the funeral home with family present from 3-5:00 PM. Memorials may be given to the family which will be designated at a later date and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home 303 E. Jefferson St. Corydon, Iowa 50060 ATTN: Willey Family. Condolences may be shared online at https://www.thomasfh.com or https://www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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