Charles Gleason Cornett, age 81, from the Rugby community in Mouth of Wilson, VA passed away at his home on Sunday morning, April 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Gleason was born on May 16, 1944, in Flatridge to Charles Estel & Velma Parks Cornett.

On August 10, 1963, he was married to Peggy Young.  She put up with his antics for almost 63 years!

Gleason was a hard worker and could operate any type of heavy equipment or drive any truck.  He was a valued employee of the Virginia Department of Transportation for over three decades.  Following his retirement, he continued to drive a truck for his son-in-law for twenty more years, well into his 70s until he needed help getting in and out of the dump truck.  Gleason enjoyed working but he also enjoyed traveling with Peggy, playing Rook with his friends and family and watching Gunsmoke.  He loved his westerns and "The Price Is Right!"

While Gleason will be remembered for his strong work ethic, he will also be remembered for his willingness to help.  He was always willing to help his family, friends or neighbors in any way possible.  He was an active member of the Rugby Rescue Squad until his health declined.  Gleason was an involved dad to his three kids, always willing to chaperone a field trip or help with math homework.  Although he was a great dad, he was an even better grandad.  He was never too busy to pick up a kid from school or drop them off with a friend.

As a testimony to Gleason's virtue of patience, even in the darkest hours during his recent sickness, he never complained.  He accepted whatever was thrown at him and did it all with a sneaky grin on his face.

Gleason was a good friend, a helpful neighbor, and a valued member of his community.  He will always be remembered as a kind and generous man, and his presence will be greatly missed.

Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife, Peggy Young Cornett, of the home; one daughter, Melinda and Adam Huffman of Grassy Creek, NC; two sons, Randy Cornett of Mouth of Wilson, VA and Brian and Nikea Cornett of Grassy Creek, NC; one brother, Billy Cornett of Troutdale, VA; three sisters, Brenda (the late Robert) Cooke of Martinsville, VA, Sandy and Jerry Wright of Fries, VA and Ronda and Larry Chrisley of Dublin, VA; two brothers-in-law, Robert (the late Helen) Young and Ronnie (Delores) Testerman; eight grandchildren, Connor, Caleb and Aubrey Huffman, Mitchell (Kaitlin) and Dawson Cornett, Kayleigh (Dawson), Brayden and Lucas Cornett; one special friend and caregiver, David Thompson; along with several nieces and nephews and many friends and caregivers. The family also wishes to acknowledge Gleason's canine companion, Mia, who never left his side.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday evening at 6:00 PM at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Louise Young officiating.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service (5:00-6:00 PM).  Burial in Greenwood Cemetery in the Grassy Creek Community, will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rugby Rescue Squad 53 Rugby Road Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363 or to the Greenwood Cemetery Fund c/o Jerry Wood 548 Grassy Creek Road Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Cornett family.