Randy “Pop” Cornelius, 78, who was a resident of Andalusia and former resident of Luverne died peacefully on the 13th of December. 13th, 2023 in the hospital of Andalusia Health.
A memorial service for Randy’s life will take place on Sunday the 17th of December. 17, at 3 p.m. in the Luverne Church of Christ with Chap. Josh Kiser officiating and Bro. Stae Sanders who delivered the tribute.
Randy proudly was a proud member of The United States Navy right after high school. He was very happy serving in the Navy, particularly when it was in Hawaii. After being discharged with honor, Randy returned home and attended school to earn the barber’s license. He continued to spend the remainder of his career cutting hair, mostly in Luverne and later, he opened the business of his own in Andalusia. He was gifted with the gab that served him well in the field he chose to pursue. Randy was among those who could claim that he got up each day excited for the day ahead. He was extremely attentive to his clients and enjoyed an unwavering group of customers for many years. He enjoyed talking about his thoughts on the “news” (because we all know that men don’t gossip!) with his clients. He helped them feel more relaxed as they left to continue their lives. Randy realized how fortunate that he was to enjoy his work for a living. It made a huge difference to him throughout his entire life.
In his spare moments, Randy was an avid outdoor person. He was a fan of any sport that allowed him to enjoy the nature’s beauty whether it was hunting or fishing. He could make use of either a bow or a gun while hunting, and you’d better be a committed hunter in order to join his. Hunting was a serious matter for Randy up to the point that you had to leave the area if you were planning to eat something and make sure you don’t return smelling like the food you had eaten! There was however the only thing he cherished more then his loved ones. He was a loving son who took loving attention to his mom during her final years, and he was a devoted husband father, grandfather, and father. He was a devoted father but the best thing they did was to give him the title of “Pop” for a plethora of grandchildren. They enjoyed his affection and generosity and cherished every minute they had together. The words cannot express how much his absence will be felt by everyone who loved and knew them, but they will feel a sense of peace in the years of fond memories they shared through the decades.
Randy died in his sleep by grandaughter, Kaitlyn Cornelius; stepdaughter, B.J. Lanier and grandparents, Grady Christopher and Ruby Dean Hayes Cornelius and a sister Karen Cornelius Connell.
His family includes his beloved spouse of over 31 years, Sharon Mitchell Cornelius; children, Ty (Ellen) Cornelius, Todd (Becky) Cornelius, Heather (Stae) Sanders, Buffy Sansom, and Erica (Byron) Thomasson; grandchildren, Gauge Cornelius, Sommer “Sissy” Cornelius, Drew Cornelius, Jon Hayden Sanders, Layken Sanders, Graycie Sansom, Stella Sansom, and Jax Sansom; sister, Tammy Wright; and a number of nieces, nephews, and other extended family members, as well as friends.
The family would like to request that memorial contributions be made for the Alzheimer’s Association.
The story of Randy “Pop” Cornelius appeared in The Andalusia Star-News.
