Charles Cornwell Obituary

Charles Cornwell FLAT ROCK, NC - Dr. Charles Landrum Cornwell of Flat Rock, North Carolina, passed away at his home surrounded by his wife, Marty; his family, and his friends on October 30, 2024. Born in Shelby, N.C., on May 3, 1939, to James Francis Cornwell and Sarah Elizabeth Hamrick Cornwell, Charles, along with his three siblings, was raised on the family's large working farm in nearby Lattimore, N.C. There, Charles experienced the love of family, the strength of faith, and a deep connection to community. On this foundation, he built a long, productive, and meaningful life. Milking cows and picking and hauling cotton were among the chores that Charles and his siblings were expected to complete. In fact, Charles and his sister Carolyn used to tease that their father's favorite hobby was working. Free time was so rare and precious that Charles used to hide under the covers of his bed late at night with a flashlight to read his favorite books. This passion for literature was lifelong. In 1961, Charles earned his B.A.in English at Davidson College, where he was known as a prolific writer, a convivial wit, and a steadfast friend. He was editor of the humor publication, Scripts and Pranks, served as an officer of Sigma Upsilon, an honorary creative writing fraternity, and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. After graduating from Davidson, Charles earned an M.A. from the University of Virginia and soon returned to Davidson to teach Freshman Composition. In 1972, he completed his Ph.D. at U.V.A. and became a Professor at Davidson, where he taught for seventeen years. His students appreciated his affable manner, deep love of literature, and sense of humor. One student recalled her first day of class with Dr. Cornwell: "He explained that when reading Melville, you needed two copies: one to read and one to throw across the room. With that, he hurled the book across the room, a wry smile on his face." Another former student recently wrote that "Dr. Cornwell instilled in us a profound love of learning. His innate curiosity about the world around us spurred us to open our minds and discover new ways of approaching life's questions. He guided us through the complexities of academic coursework and our professional and personal pursuits, all while unwavering in his commitment to a life of honor and service." In 1980, Charles married Patricia Daniels Cornwell. Although the couple divorced in 1990, Charles and Patricia remained life-long friends. He helped her launch her career as an author and served as editor for many of her best-selling Kay Scarpetta novels. In 1981, Charles left his teaching career at Davidson to pursue a calling to serve in the ministry. He entered Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, and earned his D.Min. in 1985. Ordained as Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), he served as Associate Minister at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church and Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Richmond. He then served as Associate Pastor at First Scots Presbyterian Church in Charleston, S.C., until his retirement from the clergy in 1997. In Charleston, he met Marty Whaley Adams at a dinner party; they married in Flat Rock, N.C., in 1999 and enjoyed twenty five years of marriage, splitting their time between Charleston and Flat Rock. Together, they adopted and raised Marty's grandson, Sinkler, to whom Charles became a loving and supportive father. Charles's years with Marty were among the happiest of his life. An avid reader of great literature, Charles enjoyed delving into the complete works of a single author over a summer. Shakespeare, Faulkner, and George MacDonald were three favorites. His library was extensive. Once, when asked by a student if he had read all of the books in his collection, Charles replied, "Some of them twice." Charles also loved opera, classical music, and classic movies. In 2021, a group of former students created and funded the Charles Cornwell '61 Endowed Scholarship at Davidson College. The scholarship ensures students from rural backgrounds can experience a Davidson education. In the prologue of The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer writes about the Clerk of Oxford: "And gladly wolde he lerne, and gladly teche." Chaucer's reference to a dedicated scholar, educator, and lifelong learner is an apt description of how Charles lived. He was an exceptional gift and will be sorely missed. Charles is survived by his wife, Marty Whaley Adams Cornwell; sister, Carolyn Cornwell Purcell (Jim); brother, George Richard Cornwell (Reba); brother, James Stephen Cornwell (Mary Lou): stepson, Hayden Adams (Kylie); and son, Charles Sinkler Adams. Also surviving are nieces, Julia Purcell Brown, Kathy Cornwell Myslinsk, and Annette Laxton Quarles; nephew, James Stephen Cornwell, Jr. Charles was predeceased by his parents and Marty's son, Sinkler Adams. The funeral will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, November 9, at The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness in Flat Rock, N.C. The family wishes to thank the many caregivers and friends who loved and cared for Charles during the last years of his life. We are especially grateful for the professional care and concern shown by doctors and nurses at Pardee Cancer Center: Dr. James J. Caserio and for Charles's nurses, Heather, Barbara, and Donna. Memorial gifts may be made to the Charles Cornwell '61 Endowed Scholarship at Davidson College. Follow the link to the Give to Davidson web page; select "Other" and indicate that the gift is for the Charles Cornwell '61 Endowed Scholarship. You may also mail memorial gifts marked for the "Charles Cornwell '61 Endowed Scholarship" to The Fund for Davidson College, P.O. Box 5000, Davidson, N.C. 28035. "The best thing you can do for your fellow, next to rousing his conscience, is -not to give him things to think about, but to wake things up that are in him; or say, to make him think things for himself." - George MacDonald Charles Landrum Cornwell Flat Rock -