Ralph Cornwell

Ralph Lee Cornwell (88) passed away at his residence in Bermuda Run on December 28th after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.  He was born in Orleans, Indiana in 1932 as the only child to the late Lowell and Ethel Cornwell. Ralph was married for 61 years to his wife, Virginia Ann Bowman Cornwell and is survived by his daughter, Judy (John Ray Fahrmeier) and his son, Robert (Dawn Elizabeth Cornwell).  He is also survived by his granddaughters, Anna Fahrmeier and Elizabeth Fahrmeier and his step grandchildren, Claire Jeffer and Gabe Jeffer, and his great grandson, Isaiah.  Ralph grew up around a large family of seven uncles, played basketball and baseball, and worked various summer jobs for the Monon railroad.  After graduating from Orleans High School, he spent a short period in college before enlisting in the US Air Force. During those four years, Ralph played basketball for the US Air Force team and found time to build his first fishing boat. After Service, he graduated with an engineering degree from Mississippi State where he was a brother of the Sigma Chi fraternity.  For 30 years, Ralph worked for RJ Reynolds in both the food and tobacco divisions. He moved from Winston-Salem to San Antonio early in his career to run the Patio Foods business where he was integral in developing new production processes and packaging of Mexican food. In San Antonio, he served as a Deacon and Treasurer for The Covenant Presbyterian Church. After moving back to North Carolina in 1976, he built his family's home in Bermuda Run where he enjoyed playing golf in his free time and serving as president of the board at the Bermuda Run Country Club for several terms.  After retirement from Reynolds, Ralph took on other management and consulting opportunities in the food industry and continued to work on several entrepreneurial businesses. For 26 years, he and his wife, Ann, owned and managed the Cookie House business in Hanes Mall, with his house never lacking for cookies and other goodies. He and Ann enjoyed spending time together traveling, visiting their grandchildren, and living in sunny and warm Florida in the cold season at Burnt Store Marina, near Punta Gorda. They loved to golf at the local club and Ralph spent time on his boat fishing. As Parkinson’s progressed, he and Ann moved full time to the Village at Bermuda Run where they have spent the last 5 years.  Ralph was a caring and generous father and husband and one who took great pride in his family.  When his children were growing up, he enjoyed going on family travels to new places and supporting and encouraging their activities and education. When his daughter, Judy, attended college at Duke University, he became an avid Blue Devil basketball fan for the rest of his life. His family describe Ralph as a dad who demonstrated great love, values, and principles.  His presence remained strong in their lives and allowed them unique and meaningful opportunities along the way. He was a strong Christian and a member of Clemmons Presbyterian Church. In his last few years, as long as his eyes could manage, he enjoyed spending time in the morning reading in the word of God.  Although his life on Earth has ended, we know that his eternal life with our Lord is now filled with peace, joy and comfort which will never end.  The family would like to thank the wonderful and attentive staff at the Bermuda Village Health Center for their love and care. A service of close family and friends will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Clemmons Presbyterian Church, 3730 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012.  Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.