William Cornwell Jr

William Cornwell, Jr. passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, while in the care of Meadow Lakes in Mooresville. He was born May 11, 1931, to William and Margaret Josephine (Schmitt) Cornwell of Evansville, Indiana. Born with a very active curiosity streak, he always investigated how things were made or worked. Nothing upset him more than to come across something that was welded, riveted or sealed with epoxy. What he didn’t know (but was interested in) he found the answer to in books or people who did have the knowledge. He was tested (by the University of Southern California) with a 98.8 percentile. In his lifetime, he successfully became: a certified scuba diver, a licensed pilot of sail and prop type aircraft, licensed broadcast engineer (with a 1st Phone ticket), Captain of a cruising sailboat, and a self-taught Organist. He was a member of the AGO (American Guild of Organist, (Indianapolis Chapter). As an organist, he helped install pipe organs, and he played for three churches, and being a Past Master of the Masonic fraternity, became the Grand Organist for the Masonic Lodge, and all four of the Yorkrite bodies. He wed Sherry Gay Agner, a high school friend of his sister, in August of 1957. He is survived by his wife after 65+ years of marriage, son Michael Lee Cornwell, and one grandson Michael Robert Cornwell, both members of the Army. He is also the uncle to a niece Anne (Wolfinger) Wright, and a nephew Alan Wolfinger. After serving 4 years, he was released from active duty with the Navy in August 1955, In the Navy he was a certified instructor of basic AC/DC Theory in the “A” school at NAS Memphis From the school, he was ordered to Composite Squadron 6 (North Island/San Diego CA.) where he became “an Atomic Veteran” due to the Squadron’s mission. He then re-entered into radio and television production. and went to work for the Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA) as an Electronic Engineer/Technician in the Navigation and Communication Division where he retired after 34 years of service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia, and per William’s request, no services will be observed. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in his memory, visit www.lightmemorial.com.

Tributes

William Cornwell Jr

May 11, 1931 - August 11, 2026