William Cornellier

On a warm, summer day on July 23rd, 1935, William Arthur Cornellier entered the world in Dover, New Hampshire. If it was not a sunny day, it should have been. He was raised by his single mother, Pauline, and was the oldest of 3 boys. The other 2 being Richard, who proceeded him in death (which for 1 week they were twins in age) and his younger brother Robert. The 3 boys made their own skis, played football and once he was tackled for the first time, Bill decided this was not the sport for him! Bill decided to see the world compliments of the Navy. He received many decorations including Vietnam and Korean War Veteran, 6 Good Conduct awards, National Defense Service medal, Armed Force Expeditionary medal, Vietnam Campaign medal, and European Occupation medal. During that time, he achieved his GED and attended 1 year of college. Bill rose to the rank of Senior Chief and was in charge of the ship store, laundry and barber shop. His claim to fame was being on the destroyer USS Noa that retrieved astronaut John Glenn.

He met and fell in love with the mother of his children, Connie, in 1960. His brother Bob married Connie’s sister Lorraine - 2 brothers married 2 sisters. He welcomed the birth of his 4 daughters: Theresa, Katherine, Janet and Marie but because of his Navy career, he missed their birth which was why it was so special when he got time to spend with his family. He shared his love of many things and taught his daughters how to garden, cook, fish, play games, puzzles, camp, and insisted on listening to country music. And his sweet tooth was insatiable; his daughters made sure a dessert was ready after every dinner.

Bill had many loves: dancing, road trips to historical destinations and especially golf. When he made Chief, he was able to bring his golf clubs with him on the ship and enjoyed golfing all over the world with his fellow Chiefs. After a 28 year partnership with the Navy, Bill decided to retire allowing his family to stay in one town and his daughters could finish their schooling in one place. Retiring again after many years in the Civil Service. ….suits, ties and short hair became a thing of the past.

His new home became his 27’ boat named “Canary’s Lady”. He would summer in Virginia Beach and winter in the Florida Keys.

He joined the annual reunion celebrations of the USS Noa and reconnected with several shipmates and met their wives. Donna was among them. He developed strong friendships and began spending time in Orlando. Bill and Donna’s relationship crossed over from friendship to sweethearts when he would check in with her after she became a widow. The following year they married, and Bill gained 4 more children: Ken, Joe, Kyle and John. They relocated to Saint Mary’s to be close to family.

Bill and Donna were not perfect people but were perfect for each other. They shared a love of family and regularly made a point to spend time with each of their combined 8 children every year. They purchased a home with a pond in the back which gave them waterfront property. He was honored to be a member of the Knights of Columbus. Their new norm life became quitter with their children visiting them instead of them visiting their children. Thus began his journey to battle Parkinson’s disease for 20 years. Through his courageous attitude to focus on the positive, he influenced many to look at life’s gifts and not what you no longer can do. Humor was always a part of Bill and one of his greatest gifts was to make you laugh and see the humorous side of things. Bill’s zest for life, family, friendship and the Lord has left a lasting impression all who knew him. At the age of 87, Bill gained his angel wings while holding the hand of his love and two of his daughters on April 19th, 2023 in Brunswick, Ga.

Mr. Cornellier is survived by his wife, Donna Cornellier of St. Marys, Ga.; his daughters, Theresa (Clifford) Jennison of Harrodsberg, Ky., Katherine (James) Lynch of Upper Saddle River, NJ, Janet (Donald) Van Nostrand of Dover, Ak., and Marie (Robert) McVey of Columbia, SC.; his sons, Ken (Bill Penge) Shingleton of Tallahassee, Fl., Joe (Vickie) Shingleton of St. Marys, Ga., Orman (Julie) Shingleton of Altamonte Springs, Fl., and John (Dina) Shingleton of Kingsland, Ga.; his grandchildren, Nicole (Juan) Smith, Nicholas Lynch, Hannah Lynch, Abigail Lynch, Mackenzie Lynch, Courtney Lynch, Ashley (Tyler) Poole, Emily (Jeff) Daniels, Justin Dyer, Haley McVey, Grace McVey, Liam McVey, Juan Plenge, Sara Shingleton, Stephen Shingleton, Amanda Armmaturo, and Nicholas Shingleton; and his four great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents, Mr. Cornellier was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Cornellier.

A visitation will be held from 10 am to 11 am on Saturday, April 22nd, 2023, in the Old Chapel of the Kingsland First Baptist Church. Funeral Services will follow immediately at 11 am with Pastor Ricky Brody presiding. Justin Dyer, Nicholas Lynch, Liam McVey, Nicholas Shingleton, and Juan Plenge will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Mr. Cornellier’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation.