Franklin – William Dale "Billy" Cornwell, 62, beloved father, husband, brother and friend passed away November 18, 2017 at Southampton Memorial Hospital in Franklin with his family at his bedside after a short and hard fought battle with cancer. He was born in Franklin, the son of John R. "Tink" Cornwell, Jr. and Eula Maude Wise Cornwell and was also predeceased by two brothers, John Robert "Bobby" Cornwell, III and Michael Alton Cornwell.

For more than thirty five years, Billy worked as an electrician at International Paper and also was the owner of Cornwell Electric & HVAC, forming close friendships and inspiring others with his knowledge and work ethic along the way. When not hard at work, Billy was surrounded with the love and companionship of his family, played golf any chance he could get, and enjoyed the company of many dear friends. Before his passing, Billy received his long held wish of being baptized and became a member of Kingdom Life Ministries. With his family present, he gave his heart and life to God. Billy will be forever in the minds and hearts of the many lives he touched.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Constance "Connie" Lankford Cornwell, children, William Dale Cornwell, Jr. (Amber), Adam Christian Cornwell (Tonya), Aubrey Paul Lankford, Jr.(Terri) and Jenny Lankford Owen(Tommy), grandchildren, Isaiah William Cornwell, Sidney Kai Cornwell and Christian Elle Cornwell, sisters, Tina Cornwell Drewry and Cheryl Annette Cornwell (Liz), brother, Timothy Keith "Timmy" Cornwell (Susan) and special friends, Bobby Cutchins, Wilson "Bo" Blythe and John Stainback. The family would like to thank the first floor nurses at Sentara Obici Hospital and his very special nurses Doris Riddick and Tasha Manley, and the Skilled Care Unit at Southampton Memorial Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at 2PM Wednesday November 22, 2017 in Wright Funeral Home with Pastor Matthew Kidd officiating. A celebration of Billy's life will follow the service at Fred's Restaurant from 3 to 5 PM. The family will receive friends at 108 Oakwood Dr., Franklin and suggests that memorial donations may be made to Kingdom Life Ministries or a charity of your choice. www.wrightfuneralhome.org