OBITUARY
O. Ray Cornelius
November 25, 1953 – December 6, 2015
O. Ray Cornelius passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2015, in New Orleans, Louisiana doing what he loved: taking care of his family. Ray earned his bachelor’s and JD from the University of Arkansas in 1976 and 1979, respectively. He began his career just a few doors down from Wal-Mart founder, Sam Walton. Ray moved to New Orleans to work with Foley & Judell Law, L.L.P. He finished his career as a partner and public finance team leader with Adams and Reese LLP. Some of his accomplishments include being a member of the Arkansas and Louisiana State Bars, the American Bar Association, and the National Association of Bond Lawyers, serving as the president of the Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association, and being named in numerous top-lawyer listings in publications including City Business, Lawyer Monthly, Louisiana Super Lawyers and Money Makers. He spent his free time coaching his children and providing support and comfort to his family. Ray was a devoted fan to his Arkansas Razorbacks. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Gloria Jane Brumfield Cornelius; daughter, Emily Jane Cornelius; sons, Brian Ray Cornelius and Timothy Jordan Cornelius; nieces, Christy, Celyna, and Celeste; as well as his nephew, Garrett; and numerous other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Imogene and Bert Lee Cornelius; and sisters Glenda, Berta, and Paula. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a funeral service at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 on Friday, December 11, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place in Metairie Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday until service time. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Kids’ City Carrollton Avenue Church of Christ or Carrollton Boosters.
Services
- Visitation Friday, December 11, 2015
- Funeral Service Friday, December 11, 2015
Memories
O. Ray Cornelius
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYWendy Benscoter
December 15, 2015
Ray Cornelius was a fine Southern gentleman, always ready to be a resource to others, and such a tremendous gift to Louisiana. He will be greatly missed.
Mike Stratis
December 14, 2015
To Rays Family. My colleagues and I represent Costco Wholesale and worked with Ray who was at the time representing the City of New Orleans. In our business, it is not uncommon for us to enjoy on a personal level the "party opponents", Sellers and individuals on the other side of our table. However, Ray was uniquely warm and friendly....and, someone we all liked tremendously and respected professionally. At some level, we all wished he was "our guy". He was "can do" and always looking for the position that made everyone feel like a winner. Our regrets. Mike Stratis
Nancy and Michael Wohl
December 14, 2015
Gloria, So sorry to hear of Ray's passing. Our thoughts are with you.
John Kennedy
December 13, 2015
I am so sorry about Ray's passing. He gave so much to Louisiana.
Liz McCain
December 11, 2015
I have worked with Ray for many, many years and what I remember most is that he always had a to solution to every problem, a willingness to help and a smile on his face.
He will be missed by many.
David Conner
December 11, 2015
Gloria, this is David Conner, we met on the trip to Panama last year. I remember our time fondly. Ray recently took me under his wing to teach me new ways to do business in our area. He did it because he wanted to which says a lot about your man. I always thought of him as a man in his own league. I offer prayers and condolences for your family. David
December 11, 2015
Gloria, Emily, Brian & Timothy,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
David & Peggy (Jackson) Rackley,
Susie Teague
December 11, 2015
Gloria and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. I have so many cherished memories of when we were all neighbors (family) on 62 West. May God wrap his loving arms around you and your children during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and our prayers. Love, Susie and Dee
Steve Windham
December 10, 2015
My heart and prayers are with the Cornelius family during this time of mourning. I will truly miss my friend and will think of him every time I watch the razorbacks play.
May God be with you.
Rick Ward
December 10, 2015
So many lasting memories of Ray. What an endearing, bright, professional, and sharing gentleman! Ray was a true statesman in economic development. It was such a privilege knowing him.
Jim Edmonson
December 10, 2015
Always a kind word and thoughtful advice.
Tim Burns
December 10, 2015
Very sorry to hear about Ray's passing. Not only was he a great lawyer, but an excellent father and husband and generous contributor to the economic vitality of the area. Ray will be missed but not forgotten.
Jared Smith
December 10, 2015
Ray was a special person. He offered great advice, a kind heart, and warm friendship. I know I will see Ray one day again, but his contributions to my work and to the field of economic development in Louisiana will live on. Sending my deepest condolences to Ray's family and friends.
Evelyn Meier
December 10, 2015
Gloria, I just saw this and I am so incredibly sorry. We will be praying for you and your family through this most difficult time. Lots of love,
Tommy Kurtz
December 9, 2015
Economic Development in Louisiana and within the Gulf Coast is a lesser place now without Ray in it but his impact on many projects will live on. I learned a great deal from Ray and he was always a professional and a true gentlemen who was always willing to give of his time for the good of the economic development community. My condolences to his family on this sudden loss but know he was truly one of the giants in impacting economic development in Louisiana.
Mary Beth Carter
December 9, 2015
Gloria and family, We are blessed in life, sometimes only briefly, to meet people who leave lasting impressions. As teenagers, Ray was the gentle, kind, funloving spirit that many of us remember. As an adult it sounds like this didn't change. I pray the countless tributes are a comfort to you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
George Swift
December 9, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to all of your family. Ray was a real leader in law and economic development in Louisiana. He was always willing to explain technical issues in a way that lay folks could understand. His impact will be felt for many, many years and he will always be remembered for his kindness and knowledge.
George Swift, SWLA Economic Development Alliance
Richard House
December 9, 2015
I will always have great memories of Ray-both as a brilliant deal maker and as a good friend-he will be missed
Michael Olivier
December 9, 2015
Everyone who knew Ray knew a great friend who will be missed. He was an inspiration and a blessing in life.
Michael Olivier
December 9, 2015
Gloria,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Your friends always,
Dave and Marcia Lindquist
Steven Fierro
December 9, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I never had the pleasure of meeting Ray Cornelius, but I spent a considerable amount of time with his daughter Emily in Alaska, and if she is any reflection of the man he was I know the world has suffered a great loss and asset to our community and law services. I know Emily and her family are experiencing a great tragedy I can only imagine what they must be going through. Parents are never meant to outlive their children, but also they are not meant to leave us so young. I pray for peace in the hearts of all of rays friends and family.
Jackie Edmonds
December 9, 2015
Gloria,
So sorry to hear of Ray's death. I can remember growing up with your family on one side of us and Ray's on the other side.We are thinking of you and your family.Jackie Edmonds
Patrick Witty
December 9, 2015
Ray was the same the first time we met and the last time we ran into each other; funny, engaged, sharp and so kind. I am blessed to have worked with Ray, to have learned from him, to have enjoyed his company. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Ray, you will be missed.
December 8, 2015
Gloria,.
Our deepest sympathy to you and Emily, Timmy and Brian..What a wonderful friend and neighbor he was. Always so friendly and happy. I know how much he loved all of you. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this hard time.
Love,
Beverly and Harold Pittman, Baton Rouge, La
December 8, 2015
Ray was a great source of information and a great person to talk with. we will miss him. Mike Thibodeaux, Caddo Parish Commissioner.
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