Obituary of James Donald Cornett

James Donald Cornett, 83, a longtime resident of Kingsport, Tennessee, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday January 31, 2015 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center and at last reunited with his beloved Margaret. In his final days, he enjoyed a constant rotation of family, friends and loved ones, sharing stories and good memories. Born in Roda, Virginia, he was the son of the late V. R. and Maude N. Cornett. Don proudly served his country in the United States Navy and the United States Army Reserve. He was a skilled carpenter and Structural Designer. Don loved his family, church and friends, was quick with a joke, and set an example for all who met him as a man of integrity and determination. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Margaret, and his brothers, Robert "Bobby" Cornett and Harold H. Cornett, Sr. He is survived by his sons, Greg (and wife KC) of Kingsport, Ted of Decatur, GA, daughter, Beth (and husband Donald) Porter of Chesapeake, VA, brother Carl from Church Hill, TN and sister Delores Phillips of Chattanooga, TN. Don was proud to be called Papaw and loved each of his grandchildren, Clair Cooper (and husband Chase), Sean Cornett, Andy Cornett, Meg Cornett, Olivia Porter, Christine Porter, Sam Porter, Blane Cornett and great-grandson, Logan Cooper, who he got to meet in person at Christmas. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Friday, February 6 at Holston View United Methodist Church in Weber City, VA where Don taught Sunday School for over 40 years and was a faithful member. Funeral services will follow at the church at 8 pm with Rev. Don Hanshew officiating. Burial will take place at Holston View Cemetery Saturday, February 7 at 10:30 am. Family members will meet at Scott County Funeral Home at 10 am to ride in procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Don's grandsons and nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be Carl Cornett, J.D. Lay Jr., Robert Parks, Butch Bledsoe, Kelso Campbell, Robert Sterling Sr., Ron Darnell and Don Kilbourne. The family would like to thank the many caregivers who helped Don through his journey; the staff of Wellmont Holston Valley Hospital from A6, Emergency Department, Wilcox Hall 3rd Floor, Wellmont Hospice, physicians Dr. Jon Mettert, Dr. Gregory Corradino, Dr. Shahram Malik, Dr. Joseph F. Smiddy, and Dr. Jason Brazee. We also offer heartfelt thanks to loving caregivers Kay Folden, Loreen Folden, Leslie Parks and Margie Smith. Thank you for your kindness to our father. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holston View United Methodist Church Building Fund in Weber City, VA.