Charles Cornelson

Charles Cornelson, known as “Charlie” to his friends, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, at the age of 93.

Charlie was born on September 15, 1932, in Citronelle, Alabama. His early childhood included outdoor adventures on Blakeley Island which shaped the outdoorsman we all knew. In his early teens, he moved with his family to Missouri where he learned farming and more outdoor skills. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the Army and served his country during the Korean War era with honor and dedication.  He was extremely proud to have served as a Military Police under the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) in New Mexico.

While stationed in Albuquerque, he met Nettie, and they soon married. During their early years together, they loved to dance and visited dance halls frequently. Throughout their marriage, he and Nettie relocated and lived in several places, as evidenced by the birth certificates of their children. After his time in the service came to an end, he and Nettie relocated to the Mobile area and their family expanded to include six children.

He supported his family as a self-employed contractor in the Mobile area for decades and was proud of his reputation for quality work. He built things, repaired things, and took on many projects others wouldn’t want to do. He was also proud to mentor other craftsmen.

After retirement, together with his late wife, Nettie, he tended to beautiful rose gardens, abundant vegetable gardens, and fruit trees that provided food for their family and friends. This hobby was a testament to their shared appreciation for the natural world. Charlie loved hunting and fishing and found great joy in the outdoors, whether fishing in the Mobile delta or just sitting outside in the backyard watching and listening to the birds— a simple pleasure that reflected his gentle spirit.

He was a great storyteller and continued sharing his stories from childhood, fishing adventures, hunting adventures, and his family and work life. Some of these stories were retold so frequently his family and friends could tell you verbatim how they ended!

Charlie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nettie Cornelson; their son, Jesse Cornelson; his parents, Jess and Lizzie Cornelson; and his siblings. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his surviving children: Jane Gerard, Jim Cornelson (Sally), Jill Jones, Joyce Ferrill (Scott), and Jeff Cornelson (Julie). Other survivors include his brother, Leon Cornelson (Dian), as well as a host of grandchildren: Tanya Takaki, Kevin Takaki, Sara Martin, Christina Johnson, James Cornelson, Julie Smith, Joshua Cornelson, Heidi Jones, Olivia Myers, Colin Ferrill, Kelsey Ferrill, Austin Cornelson, and Colleen Cornelson. Charlie also leaves behind a multitude of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and friends who will carry forward his legacy of kindness and storytelling.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, beginning at 10:30AM, at Pine Crest Cemetery in Citronelle, Alabama. This gathering will serve as a moment for all who knew Charlie to honor a life well-lived and to celebrate the enduring memories he leaves behind.

Charlie Cornelson's memory will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing him, his stories continuing to inspire and bring warmth even in his absence. He will be deeply missed, but the kindness, humor, and love he shared remain everlasting in the hearts of his family and friends.