Richard Maurice Cornaire, affectionately known by his family and friends as “Sarge”, “Dick”, “Dad”, or “Grandpa”, passed away peacefully in Hospice Care at Baptist Medical Center after a brief illness. 95 years of age, he was born in Cape Vincent, New York on November 6th, 1925 into a large family of 11 children to which he was the third to the youngest child. He was born into rather poor circumstances and later had to grow up as an orphan in the foster care system, separated from many of his siblings. Life began to look up for him when he met the love of his life, Edna Mae Williams while at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. He enlisted in the US Army at a very young age and made a career of the military. Dick married his sweetheart, Edna, on April 20, 1944 just before he left to fight in World War II. During his first years in the US Army, he fought in The Battle of the Bulge, Operation Dragoon, Rome/Arno, Occupation of Berlin and was awarded The Purple Heart. Throughout his time away fighting the war, he would faithfully send pictures and write love notes to his bride. Their love story was one most only dream of, and they would’ve celebrated 77 years married this year. He continued his US Army career for 22 years before retiring. He worked a few different jobs before having a career of 20 years with the Sears Corporation. After retiring from Sears, he ventured out and started a successful roofing business. He finally decided to retire and enjoy his days with his bride after many years of working hard and being a great provider for his wife and family. After retirement, Dick and Edna made their home in Callahan, Florida where he built a lovely home on land that he thoroughly enjoyed cultivating and gardening. Up until just a few years ago, he could be found outside each day mowing, gardening, or just walking around their property. He was blessed with a long life of good health and the ability to remain active. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and his son, Alan. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Edna Mae Williams Cornaire, his Daughter, Brandy (Ted) Schneider; his sons, Rick (Adrienne) Cornaire and Charles (Vicki) Cornaire; his grandchildren, Alan Lee, Rob Lee, Melissa (Adam) Gray, Jon (Emily) Cornaire, Chrisy (Chris) Drum, Casey (Jason) Wilbur, and Rhonda Lee; his 14 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; numerous extended family and friends. The services are entrusted to Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home at 7242 Normandy Blvd. with Reverend Chris Drum officiating. Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life on Tuesday, April 13th with a visitation at 10 AM and funeral at 11 AM. The internment will follow at 1:30 PM at the Jacksonville National Cemetery at 4083 Lannie Rd.
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