Cornelius, Thomas Edward (Cleveland)

Loving Grandfather Known For Seven Foot Tall Tomato Plant

  • Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Thomas Cornelius
Thomas Cornelius

Thomas Edward Cornelius, 84, of Cleveland, Tennessee passed away on Thursday, Feb 15th, 2024.

Thomas was born on May 2nd, 1939, in Remlap, Al. to the late Robirtus Cornelius and Estelle Flowers Cornelius.

Thomas was a retired Teamster's driver with 33 years of dedicated service with Miller Transporters and Roadway Express. Upon his retirement, he loved to garden, work in his shop, and maintain his beautiful yard. He was known for his tomato plant that would reach seven feet tall. He would grow anything from vegetables to peanuts and watermelons.

He loved his grandchildren, and spending time with his family and friends. He and his wife of 63 years loved Alabama Crimson Tide Football. He was a wonderful husband, father, Papaw, brother, friend, and neighbor. He will be greatly missed.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Joe Junior Cornelius.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Mary Ann Cornelius; his son, Kyle (Kelly) Cornelius; daughter, Robin (Korey) Shugart; his brothers, Harold Cornelius, Charles Cornelius, and Ricky Cornelius; sister, JoAnn Hill; sister-in-law, Sarah Cornelius; grandchildren, Christopher Shugart, Nora Mae Cornelius; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The family will be receiving friends on Monday, Feb. 19, at Companion Funeral Home, from 5 to 7 p.m. They will also be receiving friends, Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 12 to 1 p.m. A Celebration of Life service is to follow at 1 p.m. following the visitation, with Pastor Wade Patterson officiating. A graveside service is to follow at Chestuee Memorial Cemetery.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Thomas or your condolences with his family, at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com . Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.

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