Willard Kenneth “ Red” Cornelius, 90, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

Kenneth was born in Iredell County on September 20, 1933, to the late Ralph Cornelius and Lillian Cornelius. Kenneth bravely and honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Kenneth married his wife, Geraldine Johnson, on June 22, 1958. They were together 56 years until her passing. In his spare time, he enjoyed being outdoors gardening and fishing. He is also a lifelong member of New Salem United Methodist Church in Statesville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his daughter, Deborah Lynn Lackey, sister, Sadie Freeze, and brothers, Gene Cornelius and Elbert Cornelius.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Willard “Kenny” Cornelius II (Sheryl) of Statesville; daughters, Cynthia Wagner (Joseph) of Statesville and Virginia Ann Anderson (Eddie) of North Wilkesboro, N.C.; sister, Carolyn Johnson of Winston-Salem, N.C.; nine grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and two great great grand children.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024, at New Salem United Methodist Church in Statesville, N.C., with burial to follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers the family as donations be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.