Michael Wade Calley, age 69, of Corpus Christi, passed away on November 30th, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. Michael was born on June 22, 1953 in Big Lake, Texas. He was the eldest child of Dale Wade and Adelia Mae Calley, and had four siblings.
Michael was a family man that valued hard work. From a young age, Michael always had various jobs and a strong interest in learning new things. By the age of 13, he had flown by himself in his father’s airplane. In high school, Michael earned excellent grades, participated in band and cross country, all while working and mowing lawns. In 1973, Michael moved to Eagle Pass and worked for a surveying company before he began a long career at Alta Verde. Shortly after moving to Eagle Pass, he met Yolie, the love of his life. They married in June 1976 and had two sons, Michael Sean and Nathan Wade Calley. In 1984, he started working for Winn Exploration Co., Inc. and moved to Corpus Christi in 1994. Michael loved his long-standing career and facilitated numerous business ventures including oil and gas exploration, real estate expansion, and economic development in Eagle Pass. He was instrumental in managing oil and gas operations and was profoundly involved in the decision- making process for petroleum interests throughout Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, as well as other areas across the country. Michael valued his colleagues and they were a large part of his life. To him, they were not just co-workers but a part of his extended family. Michael served on several Boards of Directors including Argent Financial Group and the Twin Dolphins Condominiums. His work ethic, dedication, and passion for business cultivated many relationships and opportunities. After 36 years with Winn Exploration Co., Inc., Michael retired in 2020 as President and as an Officer of the Winn Exploration Co., Inc. Board. As a man with honesty and integrity, Michael was a friend and mentor to many, with the ability to always inspire those around him with his friendly and charismatic personality.
Though Michael was well accomplished in many areas professionally, his biggest achievement in life and what he was proudest of, was his family. He was married to his soulmate, Yolie, for 46 years. They enjoyed traveling and visiting places like Hawaii and Costa Rica, spending time with their beautiful grandchildren, and always cherished making memories with family during the holiday season which included much laughter, great meals, and his favorite margaritas. Michael has three grandchildren - Hunter, Hannah, and Hope – and they meant the world to him. His grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life. Though they were not related by blood, Michael’s heart was so big that he also loved his “Bonus Grandchildren”, Emma and Luke Keenan, just as much as his actual grandchildren. After Michael’s retirement in 2020, he welcomed a new family member into his home, a puppy named Rico, who stayed by his side every day. Michael loved to read, cook for his family, walk along Ocean Drive, and be in the company of his loved ones. As a devoted father, grandfather, and friend, Michael was loved and respected by many.
His life and legacy will live on through his surviving family members and many friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Yolie, and their two sons, Michael Sean Calley and Nathan (Karla) Calley, and his three grandchildren- Hunter Wade Calley, Hannah Lewis Calley and Hope Suzanne Calley. He is also survived by his Father, Dale Wade Calley, brothers Ken (Connie) Calley and Mark Calley and his sister Linda Calley. He was predeceased by his Mother, Adelia Mae (Reams) Calley and Sister, Kathy Calley Nelson.
A memorial to honor and celebrate his life will be held at Seaside Funeral Home, 4357 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, Texas on December 17th, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made in Michael’s name to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Corpus Christi, 3402 Fort Worth St., Corpus Christi, TX, 78411.
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