William Jesse Cornwell, Jr. passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 17, 2021—one day shy of his 73rd birthday. “Jesse” was born on April 18, 1948, in Dayton, Ohio, to Thelma Requarth Cornwell and William Jesse Cornwell, Sr. After graduating from Oakwood High School in 1966, where he played baseball, basketball, and football, Jesse studied at the University of Cincinnati and then joined the United States Navy in 1968, earning a National Defense Service Medal. Jesse married the love of his life, Peggy Locke, on October 27, 1973, and the two remained happily married for the duration of his forty-seven years. They raised three children in Jesse’s hometown of Oakwood and also had eight grandchildren. Jesse loved to be in the presence of his family and friends and enjoyed watching his favorite teams, the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Browns. He is survived by wife Peggy, sons Chris Cornwell (Kim) and Nick Cornwell (Gina), daughter Molly Dunsky (Sam), grandchildren Keegan, Cameron, Cooper, Kasey, William, Louis, Waylon, and Leyla, and loving friend and caregiver of eighteen years, Aisha McIver. Jesse was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 19. Though it remained a barrier for much of his life and ultimately led to his death, Jesse’s spirit and positive attitude transcended his physical limitations and allowed him to live and love longer than what was expected. The family will receive friends for a viewing from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021, at TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-FAR HILLS CHAPEL, 5471 Far Hills Ave. at Rahn Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45429. Mass of Christian Burial 11 am Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 218 K Street Dayton, OH 45409. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. https://mssociety.donordrive.com/campaign/William--Jesse--Cornwell-Memorial
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18