Ernest Max Cornelius, age 94, of Oneonta, passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2022. Born January 9, 1928 at Taits Gap, AL., he was the son of the late Joel Wilson and Nellie Brothers Cornelius. He was predeceased by his wife, Bonnie Smith Cornelius, brothers Lonnie, Clarence, Fred Cornelius and sister, Annie Ruth Roberts.
Ernest began his career at the law firm of P.A. Nash in Oneonta. Later, he was employed by Drs. Gordon and Patton Hospital as administrator. After the closure of the Drs. Hospital, he became the office manager for Dr. Gordon and Patton, P.A. and remained there until his retirement.
Ernest married his "beautiful bride" Bonnie Smith Cornelius on December 25, 1954. They celebrated 66 years of marriage and together raised three loving daughters. He was a member of First Baptist Church for 45 years.
Ernest is survived by daughters; Carol (Randy) Faust, Donna Burt, Linda (Mike) Wilson; grandchildren Ashley (Jared) Bussey, Adam (Lenley) Faust, Justin ( Beth) Burt, Abbey (Brian) Gravitt, Beth Anne Wilson; great grandchildren; Colvin, Hudson and Caroline Bussey, Harrison, Ryder and Ashlen Faust and Myles Gravitt.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church of Oneonta with burial in the Oak Hill Cemetery. Bro. Larry Gipson will officiate. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Oneonta at 303 3rd Avenue East, Oneonta, AL. 35121 or Oak Hill Cemetery at P.O. Box 686 Oneonta, Alabama 35121.
Pallbearers Adam Faust, Justin Burt, Jared Bussey, Brian Gravitt, Jarrod Beaty, and Federico Hinojosa.