FRANKLIN — William Dale “Billy” Cornwell, 62, — beloved father, husband, brother and friend — passed away on Nov. 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, a 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 35 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 are 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 of Sentara Obici Hospital and his very special nurses, Doris Riddick and Tasha Manley, and the Skilled Care Unit at Southampton Memorial Hospital.

The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22, in Wright Funeral Home with Pastor Matthew Kidd officiating. The celebration of Billy’s life will follow the service in Fred’s Restaurant from 3 to 5 p.m.

The family will receive friends at 108 Oakwood Drive, Franklin, and suggests that memorial donations may be made to Kingdom Life Ministries or a charity of your choice.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.