With profound sadness, yet unwavering faith in God’s promises, we celebrate the life of Michael Corey Hadley, affectionately known to many as Corey, who peacefully entered eternal rest on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the age of 51.

Born on May 16, 1975, to the late Rev. Michael Hadley and Sonia Barnes Hadley, Corey was raised in Elkhart, Indiana, where he developed strong values rooted in faith, family, integrity, and service. He later made his home in Bettendorf, Iowa, where he resided for 18 years and continued to make a lasting impact on everyone blessed to know him.

Corey’s spiritual foundation was lovingly shaped by the influence of both his maternal and paternal grandparents. On his mother’s side, Elder Lester and Mother Bertha Mae Barnes Sr. nurtured his faith at Macedonia Church of God in Christ. On his father’s side, Rev. Theodis and Mother Laverne Hadley provided spiritual guidance at Canaan Baptist Church. The faith, perseverance, and spirit of service they instilled in him became guiding principles that remained with Corey throughout his life.

A proud graduate of Elkhart Concord High School, Class of 1993, Corey was a gifted athlete whose first love was basketball. What began as a passion on the hardwood became a life mission. To Corey, basketball was never just about competition or winning games—it was about building character, developing leaders, and helping young people discover their purpose.

Although many people never knew it, Corey lived with dyslexia, which was identified during his childhood. While learning often required him to work harder than others, he refused to let it define him or limit his future. His teachers were amazed by his tenacity, relentless work ethic, and determination to succeed. Rather than allowing this challenge to hold him back, Corey used it as a source of strength and a reminder that obstacles could be overcome through faith, hard work, and an unwavering spirit.

Corey’s love for basketball carried him through an accomplished collegiate and semiprofessional career, allowing him to play nationally and internationally. He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Southwestern Michigan College before completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation Administration from North Carolina Central University.

His passion for developing others naturally led him into coaching, athletic administration, and mentorship. Throughout his career, Corey faithfully served as a coach, athletic director, referee, recruiter, and professional sports trainer, dedicating himself to helping student-athletes succeed both academically and personally.
Corey’s influence extended far beyond the basketball court. To countless young people, Coach Hadley was more than a coach—he was a mentor, encourager, father figure, confidant, and friend. He had a unique ability to see potential in others and challenge them to become the best version of themselves.

An entrepreneur at heart, Corey believed in creating opportunities while inspiring others to pursue excellence. Through his 44 Hadley clothing line, professional sports training, motivational speaking, and community involvement, he encouraged others to embrace discipline, believe in themselves, and pursue their dreams. Corey understood that true success was not measured only by personal accomplishments, but by the number of people you helped along the way. 

His impact reached beyond basketball. Corey brought passion, enthusiasm, and contagious energy to numerous athletic programs and organizations throughout his career, including the Elkhart Express semi-professional basketball organization. His larger-than-life personality, motivating spirit, and unwavering belief in people created excitement wherever he served and left a lasting impression on athletes, coaches, teammates, and fans alike. 

While sports were his platform, people were his purpose. Corey never met a stranger. With an infectious smile, a quick wit, and a one-of-a-kind sense of humor, he had a remarkable ability to make everyone around him laugh, feel welcomed, and believe they mattered. He was the person who would call family, friends, former players, and colleagues simply to ask, “You good?” Corey understood that relationships were life’s greatest investment, and he loved people wholeheartedly. 
Corey embraced fitness as a way of life and encouraged others to care for both their physical and mental well-being. Whether mentoring youth, officiating games, coaching from the sidelines, speaking words of encouragement, or simply showing up when someone needed him most, Corey had a gift for making people feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving more than they imagined.

Above all else, Corey loved his family. He shared an unbreakable bond with his brothers and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. He was a proud father who celebrated his children’s accomplishments and supported their dreams with unwavering love and pride. Those who knew him best also knew that he was proudly and unapologetically a “Momma’s Boy,” sharing a special relationship with his mother that remained one of the greatest blessings of his life.

Corey truly lived life to the fullest. The joy he carried with him and shared so freely with others, his booming laugh, compassionate spirit, generous heart, and genuine love for people will forever remain etched in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. 
He leaves to cherish his precious memory his loving mother, Sonia Hadley-Davis of Elkhart, Indiana; two daughters, Staje Hadley of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Holland Hadley of Davenport, Iowa; one son, Savon Hadley of Euless, Texas; two brothers, Chad (Deavin) Hadley of Fishers, Indiana, and Celby (Janell) Hadley of Plainfield, Illinois.  Corey is also lovingly remembered by his bonus siblings, Franzyne "Yvette" Davis-Wade of South Bend, Indiana, Sheila D. Miller of Goshen, Indiana, Dacey S. Davis of Elkhart, Indiana, and Tracey L. Hill of South Bend, Indiana along with many devoted aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless loved ones who will miss him dearly.

In addition to his beloved family, Corey leaves behind a family created through love—the children who held a special place in his heart and whom he embraced as his own: Shalome Taylor, Atticus Taylor, and Malachi Marshall. His love extended across generations as he proudly embraced the role of grandpa to his cherished bonus grandchildren, Asher Taylor and August Sullivan. 
Whether connected by blood or by choice, Corey loved deeply, gave generously, and made each person feel valued and accepted. His legacy continues through the countless former players, teammates, colleagues, lifelong friends, and all those whose lives were forever changed by his encouragement, mentorship, and love.

Corey was preceded in death by his father, the late Rev. Michael Hadley; his stepfather, Ron Davis; his uncle, Lester Barnes Jr.; his beloved brother-cousin, Jetton Barnes; and his cherished maternal and paternal grandparents.

Although our hearts are heavy, we rejoice knowing that Corey has exchanged the basketball court for streets of gold. His legacy is found not only in the games he coached, the athletes he mentored, or the victories he celebrated, but in every life that he encouraged, every heart he uplifted, every dream he inspired, and every phone call that began with the simple question, “You good?”

If there is one phrase that will forever echo in the hearts of those who loved Corey, it is those two simple words: “You good?” They were more than a greeting—they were a reflection of his compassion, loyalty, friendship, and unconditional love. Those words captured who Corey was; someone who cared, who checked in, and someone who wanted others to know they were never alone. Though his voice is now silent, the love and care behind those words will continue to live on in the hearts and lives of everyone he touched.

Celebration of Life Services 
Family, friends, and loved ones are warmly welcomed to attend any or all of these gatherings as we honor and celebrate Corey’s life. We pray that everyone whose life was touched by Corey will have the opportunity to join us in one or more of these moments of remembrance and committal. Together, we will celebrate a life well lived, a legacy of love, and a man whose kindness, faith, and impact made a difference in countless lives.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:23