Jerry Wayne Cornell

August 27, 1941 - January 11, 2025

Jerry Wayne Cornell, 83, of Danville, Virginia passed away January 11, 2025, at SOVAH Health, Danville, VA. Mr. Cornell was born August 27, 1941, in Danville to the late Lounette Bailey Cornell and the late George Thomas Cornell. He was married to Naomi “Mae” Cole Cornell for what would have been 60 years in August of this year. He was a hard worker and stayed very active his entire life. He first worked for Merita Bakery for 22 years, and upon retirement, he continued to work various jobs, including driving a truck for Guerrant Driveways, and then he went to work for Dan River Mills, Inc. After a time there, he moved to Advance Auto, where he finally officially retired, due to health reasons.

Mr. Cornell loved music and played in a band for over 20 years. He also loved his children and each of his grandchildren equally. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church of Danville and proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1960 – 1964. In the Navy he served as a cook, and brought the love of cooking back home, as he cooked many different dishes and meals over the years.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Cornell is survived by his two sons, Joe Cornell (Darlene) and Todd Cornell (DeAnna); a brother, Ronald Cornell (Judy); five grandchildren, Katie (Jacob), Lauren (John) Andyn, Zander, and Elizabeth, and five great-grandchildren, Liam, Landry, Lynden, Micah, and Charlotte Jo. He is also survived by two precious sisters-in-law, Barbara Cornell and Deloris Murphy.

Mr. Cornell was predeceased by his parents and by a son, Anthony Wayne, as well as a brother, Bobby Cornell.

A visitation of friends to celebrate the life of Mr. Cornell will be held Friday, January 17, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the West End Chapel of Norris Funeral Service, 511 Church Ave. Danville, VA 24541. Following the visitation, a graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Danville Memorial Gardens, officiated by Pastor Rick Markham. At other times the family will receive friends at the residence.