Willie Cornelius

Celebration of Life for Willie Franklin Cornelius 89, is set for 10:00 a.m. Monday at Overton Hill Community Church with Bro. Kenneth Drewery and Bro. Travis Shea officiating. Burial will be in the Overton Hill Church Cemetery.

Willie a faithful servant of his Lord and Savior, parted into his loving arms on February 18, 2017, at his residence. He was born February 9, 1928, to the late Henry and Junnie Derrick Cornelius. Willie was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served as an MP in post-World War II Japan. As a farmer and craftsman, Willie used his talents to care for his family and community. He served as a faithful leader at Overton Hill Community Church for over 50 years. His catfish ponds were a source of fond memories for generations.

Willie is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lucinda “Cindy” Buchanan Cornelius of Walnut, his sons: Ricky (Susan) Cornelius of Nettleton, MS, Teddy (Stacey) Cornelius of Walnut, MS, Faben Cornelius of Walnut, MS, Jesse (Kristy) Cornelius of Nettleton, MS, Sammy (Allison) Cornelius of Corinth, MS, his daughters: Patsy Cornelius of New Albany, MS, Pam Tyler of Walnut, MS, and Rebecca Cornelius of Walnut, MS. Thirteen grandchildren: Robert (Mollie) Cornelius of Columbus, MS, Will Cornelius, Brady Cornelius, and Adam Cornelius of Nettleton, MS, Ashley Cornelius and Dakota Cornelius of Guntown, MS, Alex Tyler, Claire Cornelius, Sophia Cornelius, Sara-Chloe Cornelius of Corinth, MS, Katy Tyler and Morgan Cornelius of Walnut, MS, and Jana Faith Cornelius of New Albany, MS and one great-grandchild, John Henry Cornelius of Columbus, MS.

Willie was preceded in death by his son, Gary Franklin Cornelius, grandson, Steven Franklin Cornelius, his father, Henry Franklin Cornelius and mother, Junnie May Derrick Cornelius, four sisters and one brother, Dorothy Moore Della Newby, Pearl Vancanneyt, Dollie Cornelius, and Buddy Cornelius, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Garrett and Clytie Buchanan.

Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers are Kerry Fiveash, Avis Wilbanks, Bud Wilbanks, Harris Fiveash, Ray Porterfield, Travis Drewery, Howard Newby, Roy Newby, Troy Newby, James Box.

Family will receive friends Sunday from 4:00 to service time at Overton Hill Church.

Condolences can be left at www.memorialcorinth.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home, Corinth, Mississippi.