Tommie Joe Cornelius was born on January 17, 1938 to Thomas Webster Cornelius and Zelma Irene (Babe) Cornelius in Tishomingo, MS. Tommie graduated from Tishomingo High School. He served in the United States Army, where he reached the rank of sergeant before being honorably discharged to return home to care for his mother and younger siblings. Tommie worked for thirty-five years in the trucking industry prior to retiring from Cornelius Sales.
His passions included spending time with his family, working in his garden, helping his community, watching movies and bossing people around (especially his wife!). Tommie was a member of Tishomingo Baptist Church and an officer and active member in the American Legion Post 144. Tommie was a great husband, father, brother, and Paw. He always made time to spend with others, offer a friendly smile and a humorous comment.
Memorial services will be Thursday, August 15, 1 p.m. at Tishomingo Baptist Church with Bro. Rusty Fair and Michael Cornelius officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, August 15, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Tishomingo Baptist Church. Deaton Funeral Home, Belmont, MS will be in charge of arrangements.
Tommie leaves his beloved wife of fifty-two years, Edna Harris Cornelius, his three daughters, Carolynn Ferguson (Ray) of Memphis, TN, Nancy Nelson (special friend Paul) of Collierville, TN and Shara Krag (Kerry) of Memphis, TN and his son, Michael Cornelius (Amy) of Arlington, TN. He leaves behind his sister, Judy Shifflett of Tishomingo, MS and his brother, Tim Cornelius of Las Vegas, NV. Tommie had eight grandchildren, Alan (Lydia) and Brian (Lindsey) Ferguson, Colleen Jones (RJ), Joslyn and Amelia Watermeier, Thomas, Carter and Davis Cornelius. Tommie had three great-grandsons, Landon, Donovan and Adrian. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Jimmy Cornelius and his sister, Shelia Latham.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the American Legion Post 144, Tishomingo, MS. https://www.legion.org/memorials/243721/tishomingo-county-veterans-memorial
