SGM Morris Wayne Croley, US Army (Ret.) passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2023. He was born in Jellico, TN on February 2, 1943 to John Ben Croley and Effie Lawson Croley. He attended Pleasant View High School and entered the U.S. Army in July of 1961. SGM Croley served two tours in the Vietnam War and became a leader to U.S. troops in various duty stations throughout the world. In the military and in life he exemplified the essential Army values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. After 30 years of active military service, he continued to serve his country as a U.S. Postal worker.

He was a member of the VFW Post #641, American Legion, Purple Heart Association, Columbia 59 Chapter of the Eastern Star, and Pacific Lodge #325.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, John B. Croley, Jr., Vernon Croley, Earl Croley; and sister, Laura Jane Pruitt.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Betty R. Croley; sons, James E. "Jack" Shealy (Hayley), Charles A. "Chip" Shealy; grandchildren, Gabrielle Shealy and Nathan Shealy; sisters, Rosie Lawson, Faye Dotson and brother, Arvil Lee Croley; and sister-in-law, Patricia Staples; niece, Tonya Haywood; great-nephews, Riley Haywood and Henry Haywood; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wayne loved his family and will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend.

The service for SGM Croley will be held at 3 o'clock, Sunday, September 24th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 2 o'clock. A procession will leave Shives Funeral Home at 9:30 o'clock on Monday, September 25th, for a 10 o'clock graveside service with full military honors at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia.