Charles Cornelius

Charles Lee Cornelius, 95, a resident of Birmingham, Alabama passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026. He was born in Oneonta, Alabama on January 1, 1931 to Wallace Coleman Cornelius and Pearlie Mae Cornelius. Charles attended elementary school in Tarrant, Alabama and graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1949. He then attended the University of Alabama where he studied business and was a member of Delta Chi Fraternity. After college, he returned home to Tarrant to work in the family grocery business. Easter Sunday, April 18, 1954, he married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Hobbs at Tarrant Rock Methodist Church and they made Tarrant their home. Charles was a Christian, led to Christ by his grandmother as a boy in Oneonta. His family moved to Tarrant in 1940 and became active members of the Tarrant Rock Methodist Church, where he served for many years. A devoted son, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, his joy was serving the church, his family and community.

He is survived by his son, Charles Lee Cornelius, Jr. (Chip) and wife Melanie of Birmingham and his daughter Mary Lynne Cornelius Means and husband, Roger of Birmingham. Mr. Cornelius is also survived by a granddaughter, Carlee Elizabeth Means Green, and husband, Jason, and grandsons, Coleman Karst Cornelius and Charles William Cornelius of Birmingham. His great grandchildren are Amelia Scott Green, Nathan Lee Green, and Maddox Tillman Green. Other survivors include many beloved nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Mary Elizabeth Hobbs Cornelius, his parents, and two sisters – Willene Cornelius Little and Betty June Cornelius Moffett.

Chapel Services will be held Friday, April 3, 2026 at Ridout’s Trussville Chapel, at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Graveside will follow the service at Jefferson

Memorial Gardens, Trussville.

Memorial gifts may be made to:

Tarrant Rock United Methodist Church, 1601 East Lake Blvd, Tarrant, Alabama 35217.

The Jimmie Hale Mission, PO Box 10472, Birmingham, Al 35202 or a ministry of your choice.