LCDR Charles Henderson Cornelison, SC, USN (Ret)

LCDR Charles H. ‘Jack’ Cornelison, Supply Corps, US Navy (Ret), 93, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 15, 2015. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Margaret (Marge). A thirty four year Navy veteran, he served in the USS Nevada (BB-36) and was assigned to the forward damage control party on the morning of December 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, initiating the United States entry into World War II. Wounded during the attack and evacuated to Nevada’s sick bay, he assisted in caring for and transporting his dead and wounded shipmates to the Naval Hospital, where he refused medical treatment and returned to the Nevada. Jack spent the war years in the Pacific Theater, serving aboard the USS Rio Grande (AOG-3) and the USS Woodford (AKA-86). He was extremely proud of the fact that, in the span of 4 years, he was promoted through every enlisted rank - receiving a Surface Line Commission as an Ensign in February 1944. Following a break in service after the war, he was recalled to active duty in 1950 for the Korean War, and remained in the Navy, serving around the world. Assignments included sea duty on board the USS Hamul (AD-36) and the USS Pine Island (AV-12); and shore assignments at Whidbey Island, WA; Opama, Japan; NAS Lemoore, CA; Naples, Italy; Charleston, SC; and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Following his retirement in 1974, he and Marge returned to Whidbey Island where they spent many happy and peaceful years before moving to Florence, AZ, and eventually Charleston, SC. One paragraph easily summarizes Dad’s lifetime of service and sacrifice, but it does not describe the husband, father, friend and shipmate that he was. Traveler, golfer, fisherman, collector of tools and gadgets – he was intensely curious, a perfectionist in all that he undertook. He was disciplined and organized, demanding the same from others. He endeavored to pass these attributes to his children, preparing them for the demands that life so often presents. Many times he said that his life following December 7th 1941, was a gift. True, and the gift was not his alone, for it benefited his family and his many friends. Well done, Dad, be thou at peace. He will be deeply missed by his children, their grandchildren, and great grandchildren and all who knew him. Survivors include sons Gary A. Cornelison (Pat), of Virginia Beach, VA, Ronald F. Cornelison (Cindee), of Alexandria, VA, and daughter Vickey L. Cornelison-Grant (Chris Grant) of Charleston, SC. Grandchildren include: Matt Cornelison of Virginia Beach, VA; Christine Bonner (Ben) of Charlotte, NC; Elizabeth Cathcart (Chris) of Washington, DC; Jenny Bowne (Gabe) of Costa Mesa, CA; Laura Margaret Sacher (Paul) of Alexandria, VA; Margaux Cornelison Lynam (Sean) of Brooklyn, New York; William Cornelison of Alexandria, VA; Mikell Dawson of Johns Island, SC; and Emily Dawson Meeks (Bill) of Yonges Island, SC. In addition, Margaret and Jack have twelve great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date.