IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Forest Lee

Forest Lee Corley "Butch" Profile Photo

Corley

Sep 11, 1953 — Feb 15, 2025

Obituary

Heaven gained a truly amazing soul on February 15, 2025, when Forest Lee Corley, affectionately known as Butch, passed away peacefully in his bed at Blue Bell Place, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, at the age of 71. After a courageous three-and-a-half-month battle with stage four brain and lung cancer, Butch's suffering came to an end, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and love that will never ever be forgotten.

Born on September 11, 1953, in Cumberland, Maryland, Butch was raised by his beloved grandparents, Forest Bitner Corley and Elmeda Jane (Bullock) Corley (Granny), after the untimely passing of his mother, Elmeda Jane Corley, when he was just twelve years old. His mother's absence was a great loss, but his grandparents, along with his extended family, spoiled him and filled his life with love and care. He grew up at 1221 Lexington Avenue Cumberland, Maryland.

Butch's life was shaped by close special family bonds. He is survived by his three aunts, Emma Gertrude (Corley) Lyles, Mary Ann Corley, and Barbara Corley (wife of Howard Josiah Corley), and two uncles, Joseph Yost Corley and Michel Provost (ex-husband of Mary Ann Corley). Butch was predeceased by his Aunt Irene May (Corley) Moyer & Uncle Vincent Douglas Moyer, Uncle Robert Lyles (husband of Emma Lyles), and Uncle Howard Josiah Corley. Butch's aunts, uncles, and cousins were integral to his life, leaving a profound and enduring impact on his heart, just as he did on theirs. His memories of mischief and fun with his cousins who were like siblings, Jay Douglas Moyer, Joy Lynn (Moyer) Zwicker, and Curtis Dean Moyer. Butch was the protective older brother to Joy Lynn and a playful companion to Jay and Curtis, creating memories that will be treasured forever and ever.

He was married to Diane (Dee Dee) Lease in 1984, though they parted ways after a decade. He also shared over thirty years of companionship with his partner, Becky Holderby (deceased), with whom he resided at 809 White Avenue, Cumberland, Maryland. Becky's memory remains cherished.

Butch was born and raised in Cumberland, Maryland, where he spent his entire adult life. A proud graduate of Fort Hill High School, Class of 1971, Butch formed many meaningful relationships over the years. He did not travel far from Cumberland, but at a young age traveled to Canada to spend time with his Uncle Howard's family as well as his Aunt Mary Ann's family. Family was the cornerstone of Butch's life, and everything he did was driven by his love and devotion to them. Throughout his career, Butch worked at Caporales Bakery, the Celanese Factory, and most notably, the Good Fellowship Club, where he served as the head bartender for over 30 years. Butch was also President of the Good Fellowship Club for several years, becoming a beloved figure in the community.

A true survivor, Butch faced life's challenges with resilience. His strength was tested at an early age with the loss of his mother in 1965 and two car accidents that left him with broken necks on both occasions. The family believes his mother, watching over him from heaven, protected him from permanent paralysis. Butch was always able to make the best of difficult situations, a testament to his enduring spirit.

He had many passions, including fishing, hunting, dancing, playing cards, grilling, bowling, and sharing hearty laughter with his cousin-brothers, whose infectious belly laughs could light up any room and was so contagious. Butch had a special love for children and animals, and his pets, Penny and Butch Jr., were deeply cherished. Butch was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Good Fellowship Club, and the Cumberland Outdoor ClubIn 2022, as he began to show early signs of dementia, Butch moved to Allegany Junction Apartments, where he lived until November 2024. At that time, he relocated to Blue Bell Place Assisted Living in Blue Bell Pennsylvania, where he spent his remaining days surrounded by his cousin-sister Joy Lynn and family.

In his final months, Butch faced stage four cancer with remarkable courage, receiving exceptional care from his dedicated caregivers. In January 2025, he began hospice care with Serenity Hospice, where he was lovingly cared for and treated as family. The Friday before his passing, Butch was so thrilled to have a visit from his beloved Aunt Emma, Aunt Mary Ann, and cousin Karen. He was deeply excited to see them, and perhaps, in some way, he was waiting for that moment of connection before letting go. Their visit brought him comfort and marked a final, cherished memory.

Although we are heartbroken as he has left this world much too early, Butch's warmth, wit, and loving spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the cherished memories of his family and friends, who will continue to remember him as the sweet, kind, and funny man who brought joy to everyone around him.

Butch is also survived by his two cousin-brothers, one cousin-sister and their spouses: Jay Douglas Moyer & Sherry (Hancock) Moyer; Joy Lynn (Moyer) Zwicker & Edward Zwicker; and Curtis Dean Moyer & Melissa (Woodward) Moyer. (Becky's Sister and Son) Carole Helmick and Todd Helmick. (Children and grandchildren shared with Becky Holderby) (Two sons): Kevin Holderby & Melissa Holderby and Erik Holderby. (Three Grandchildren): Shane Holderby, Chase Holderby and Ryleigh Holderby (Three Great Grandchildren): Alba Holderby, Otto Holderby and Avery Holderby. Many cousins who played an important role in his life: Howard Corley, Jr (deceased) Janie Corley, Paul & Tonya Corley, Forest Corley, Lois Corley (deceased), Karen Lyles, Robert & Barb Lyles, David & Robin Lyles, Susan (Lyles) Reed, Joseph & Alison Corley, Melissa (Corley) Ramhoff & Richard Ramhoff, Tina Provost (deceased), Tony Provost (deceased).

Butch's Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Saturday March 8, 2025 at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A. 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, Maryland. Friends and family will be received from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm with the service beginning at 1:00 pm. Butch will be laid to rest alongside his mother in a private family ceremony. The internment will be held in the spring at Dry Ridge Cemetery, 2098 Glade Pike, Manns Choice, Bedford PA 15550. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Forest (Butch) Corley's name to a beloved charity of your choice.

Anyone that would like to make contact with the family please reach out to Joy Zwicker, 215-880-1322, joyzwicker.associatebroker@gmail.com

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Funeral Services

Visitation

March
8

Saturday

Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A.

108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, MD 21502

11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Celebration of Life

March
8

Saturday

Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A.

108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, MD 21502

Starts at 1:00 pm

Guestbook

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