

Richard, whom we called Junior, was born in Norfolk Va., on August 25, 1992, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital to his loving parents, Richard and Alma Cornwell. Richard Edward Cornwell Jr. was lovingly known as “Junior” by his family and “Richie” by his friends and those closest to him. Junior leaves behind a life, a love, and a presence that will never be forgotten. Junior attended and graduated from Phillip A. Randolph in 2010. Junior developed a passion for food as he enjoyed creating new recipes. Junior was a hardworking man with a laid back-spirit and heart that naturally drew people to him. He was employed at places such as Subway, Moe's and his most current role at Grumpy's in Yulee, Fl, for the past 3 years, in which he had recently become an Assistant Kitchen Manager, in which he was extremely proud as we were. From an early age Junior loved sports of all kinds, which he shared with his Pops including baseball, basketball and football. He excelled and received trophies in multiple sports. Junior's passion was music as he was a lover of all genres. Playing video games was his favorite hobby with his group of close friends that he loved. Junior recently discovered he enjoyed a good game of pool and played most Sundays after work with his beloved co-workers. He loved Good Vibes, but more than that he brought Good Vibes, uplifting everyone around him with his energy, laughter and presence.
Of all the roles Junior held in life, being a father to his only child, Harmony Rose, was one of his most treasured. He loved spending time with his daughter and making special memories through their daddy-daughter dates. Whether they were going out for ice cream, heading to the movies, or simply spending time together at home, those moments with Harmony meant everything to him. The love he had for his daughter was undeniable, and the memories they created together will remain a part of her forever.
Junior was preceded in death by his great-grandmothers, Dorothy Beckles and Alice Cornwell.
Junior is survived by his beloved daughter, Harmony Rose and mother of his daughter, loving girlfriend, Farah Minchin; his parents, Richard Edward Cornwell and Alma Cornwell; his sisters Kia Danielle Hudson (Duan Hudson), Brittney Renae Maurer (Joshua Maurer); brother, Amir Lamar Cornwell; grandmothers Francine Claiborne, Michele Gossett (Neal Gossett); great-grandmother Madeline H. White; aunts Toni Claiborne, Latasha Washington (Andre Washington), Nancy Arrington, Tamra Watson (Al Watson), Maurice Cornwell (Elodie Cornwell), Neal Gossett Jr. (Stephanie Gossett), and a host of cousins and extended family as well as Farah's immediate family her mother Sarah, her Big Grandma, Little Grandma, and her and siblings whom he loved. Last but not least his fur babies, Gaya and Aurie.
To his family, he will always be Junior. To his friends and Farah, he was Richie. But no matter what name you knew him by, you knew someone special. He was an amazing father, a loving son, an incredible brother, a devoted partner, and a genuine friend. He worked hard, lived honestly, loved his people, and brought an energy into this world that simply cannot be replaced. He was uniquely made and rare. Junior and his father, as he called him Pops had the most beautiful, amazing father and son bond of all. They shared a love of sports and were always working on something from fixing Junior's car or some project his Pops needed help with. Junior always made the time even when he was busy!
Junior was perfectly made for us, the son we always prayed for and received. His absence leaves a space that words cannot fill, but his family will forever hold onto the laughs, the jokes, the daddy-daughter dates, the nights playing video games, the sports, the good vibes, and all those ordinary moments that now mean everything.
Until we meet again, son, brother, father, uncle, grandson, cousin and great friend, save us a spot up there. You Hearrrrd. 💙💙💙💙
Forever loved. Forever missed. Never forgotten.
We the family want to Thank everyone for showing up at this most difficult time in any and every way that you have. We love you all!
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32211. A visitation will be held for family and friends on Friday, October 2nd, 2026 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Guests are asked to wear their "craziest socks" to honor Junior's memory and his love for crazy socks.
If guests wish, they may bring crazy socks to the services as the family plans on making a memory quilt from the socks people may bring instead of wearing.
A livestream of the services Saturday may be viewed at the link provided https://www.youtube.com/live/y6kmRtNkvd8
Guests are kindly asked to please refrain from attending if any illnesses or exposure to illnesses have occured within 24-48 hours of the service date or visitation time.
Family and friends are invited to leave online condolences and memories.
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