Feb. 25, 1939 – July 14, 2011

NATCHEZ — Graveside services for Edward A. Worley, 72, of Natchez, who died Thursday, July 14, 2011, in Natchez, will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Metairie Cemetery in Metairie, La., with Dr. Doug Broome officiating.

Burial will follow under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. today at First Baptist Church of Natchez. A reception will follow from 6 to 8 p.m. at Dunleith.

Mr. Worley was born Feb. 25, 1939, in Monroe, La., the son of Ephraim Adam Worley and Grace Hart Worley. He was dedicated to his family and was an avid hunter. He was also a community leader that was interested in the development and advancement of Natchez.

The business Mr. Worley was involved with employed more than 100 employees in Natchez. He founded Worley Claim Services in 1976, in the back bedroom of his home in Metairie. He turned the responsibility of the company over to his son in 1996. Mr. Worley retired from the Worley company in 2008. The company has grown to be one of the largest claim services in the country.

Mr. Worley was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joyce Worley; and one son, Marty Worley.

Survivors include one son, Michael A. Worley and wife, Kathy; one daughter, Michele W. Johnson and husband, Dennis, all of Zachary, La.; one daughter-in-law, Stacey B. Worley of Metairie; three grandsons, Zachary Edward Hebert of Zachary, Joshua Eric Hebert of Luling, La., and Kevin Michael Worley of Metairie; and granddaughters, Katie Grace Worley of Zachary and Kayla Elizabeth Worley of Metairie.

Pallbearers will be John Holyoak, Paul Hargrave, Robert Ratlif, Roger Cribb, Jay Bacot, Tyler Bacot, Kyle Bacot and Chuck Mayfield.

Memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association which Mr. Worley suffered from for the last 15 years.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com.