John was born in Ogden, Utah and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He completed his bachelors degree in mechanical engineering at the University of New Mexico. John worked as a mechanical engineer, which took him to Detroit and then Trenton, NJ in his early career. He met and married  his wife in Trenton, NJ in 1977 where they started a family. His work as a engineer took led them to Charlotte, NC and then eventually Atlanta where he would spend the rest of life. John stopped working for corporate America in the late nineties and opened up his own small engine repair shop, known as Corley's Engine and Mower. Engineering, repairing small engines, owning and managing his business became his life work. John loved dogs, hunting, fishing, gardening, reading science fiction novels, spending time with friends and family, and was always "fixing" something. Anyone who knew John, knew he did things his way, which was often not the "ordinary" way. He never met a stranger, had a strong sense of humor, followed Atlanta sports teams, especially the Braves, and lived life according to his own rules.

He is survived by his daughters, Gina Smalley (Andrew) of Marietta, GA, Jenny Barwick (Stephen) of Dunwoody GA; his ex-wife June Smalley of Marietta, GA and brother, Jerry Smalley (Kathy) of Alpharetta, GA. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, and five grandchildren (Ava, Gavin, Miles, Zoe, and Lily). Last but not least, he is survived by his last two good dogs.

John was known for being eccentric, curious, clever, funny, independent, but also stubborn, compassionate, and never punctual. John loved his family, his work, his friends, his dogs, and believed one good dog never replaced another good dog, but rather you fill your life with only good dogs. John was a fighter and lived life with the intention to have joy, fun, and the company of a good dog.

John is preceded in death by his mother, stepfather, and many good dogs, especially his dog, Ginger.

A celebration of life will be held on- August 8th, 2026 at Morgan Falls Overlook Park at 12pm. 400 Morgan Falls Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30350 https://www.sandyspringsga.gov/places/morgan-falls-overlook-park

Feel free to bring your fur friends or a fishing pole to celebrate a life gone too soon.

In lieu of flowers, we ask family and friends to cast a fishing line, take your dog for a walk, or explore the outdoors in honor of John.

John was loved by all who knew him.

Fly higher than eagle, and may you find all the good dogs from your lifetime on the other side.