Lewis Thomas Cornell, Sr. passed this earthly life to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 26, 2019.

He was born December 17, 1947 to the late Julius W. Cornell, Sr. and Sarah Sherrill.  He graduated from Atkins High School, attended the NC School of the Arts, and received commercial art training at Gary Training Center in San Marcos, TX.

He served his country as a US Marine in the Vietnam War and was honorably dishcharged and awarded a Purple Heart and other services awards.

He received his gift as an artist at an early age and went on to become a National Art Award Winner, 3 ^rd Prize.  He was a skilled artist in many mediums who painted landscapes, seascapes, abstract, portraits, and murals as the founder of The Artist Speaks, Inc.  He also did industrial painting with Shaw Paint & Wall Paper Co., Inc. of Norfolk, VA and the former JMB Income Properties and worked at the RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co.

He painted portraits of former aldermen and an alderwoman, RJ Reynolds, Sr.; Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and veteran, Lawrence Joel; former Congressman Floyd Flake; Reverend Jesse Jackson; paintings of the "The Crying Child", "The Boy", "Head of Christ", and paintings for many local churches in the city.  His paintings showcased his versatile talent during art exhibitions in the city, in NC, and in Washington, DC at the Potter's House Gallery.  He taught art classes at recreation centers in Winston-Salem and received an outstanding volunteer service award from the Urban Arts of the Arts Council, Inc.

He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend to many whose lives were changed through the love of God he showed as a disciple of Christ who ministered to the needs of others throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Julius Cornell, Jr. and Ronnie Cornell; and his sister, Louise Cornell.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Glenda Logan Cornell; children, Lewis Cornell, Jr. (Dee), Anthony Cornell, and Joseph Cornell; 6 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; brother, Terry Smith (Gracie); sisters, Joan Cornell, Rosalind Cornell, Yvonne Cornell, and Lorretta Sherrill; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, in-laws, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery.  The family visitation will be held from 1:30pm until 2:00pm on Saturday at the Chapel.