1932
Richard
2017
Richard Cornelius
November 11, 1932 — March 16, 2017
Richard Henry Cornelius was born on November 11, 1932 to the union of Ollie Cornelius and Anna Ross in Canton, Texas. He was the ninth of ten children. Richard professed his faith in God at an early age.
Richard was raised and educated in Palestine, Texas, and later joined the U.S. Army in 1948. After serving 4 years during the Korean War he Honorably Discharged in 1952 from Ft. McClellan, Alabama. During his distinguished service he received the Korean Service Medal, Purple Heart (wounds received in action on the Naktong River, Korea on September 1, 1950) and Army of Occupation Medal.
Richard met the love of his life, Gretta Davis, and they were united in holy matrimony for 62 years. To this union they had three sons; Dwayne “Ricky”, Joseph, and Elliot Cornelius. He was affectionately known as “Big Daddy”.
Richard united with Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church and held membership for over 55 years. There he served as Chairman of Deacons, the Finance Chairman, a Bus Driver, sung in the Male Gospel Chorus, he also served as the City Wide Brotherhood Treasurer, and the North Texas District Association Treasurer.
Richard was employed by the Dallas Independent School District as a Custodial Engineer for more than 35 years and retired from C.F. Carr Elementary School. He also worked for Lincoln Funeral Home for over years.
Richard was preceded in death by his mother and father, all his siblings, and two late son Dwayne “Ricky” Cornelius and Gary Smith. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Gretta Cornelius, 2 sons Joseph (Laura) and Elliot (Shantay) Cornelius, daughter Val Kelley, 19 grandchildren, and 34 great grandchildren.
Richard was raised and educated in Palestine, Texas, and later joined the U.S. Army in 1948. After serving 4 years during the Korean War he Honorably Discharged in 1952 from Ft. McClellan, Alabama. During his distinguished service he received the Korean Service Medal, Purple Heart (wounds received in action on the Naktong River, Korea on September 1, 1950) and Army of Occupation Medal.
Richard met the love of his life, Gretta Davis, and they were united in holy matrimony for 62 years. To this union they had three sons; Dwayne “Ricky”, Joseph, and Elliot Cornelius. He was affectionately known as “Big Daddy”.
Richard united with Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church and held membership for over 55 years. There he served as Chairman of Deacons, the Finance Chairman, a Bus Driver, sung in the Male Gospel Chorus, he also served as the City Wide Brotherhood Treasurer, and the North Texas District Association Treasurer.
Richard was employed by the Dallas Independent School District as a Custodial Engineer for more than 35 years and retired from C.F. Carr Elementary School. He also worked for Lincoln Funeral Home for over years.
Richard was preceded in death by his mother and father, all his siblings, and two late son Dwayne “Ricky” Cornelius and Gary Smith. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Gretta Cornelius, 2 sons Joseph (Laura) and Elliot (Shantay) Cornelius, daughter Val Kelley, 19 grandchildren, and 34 great grandchildren.
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