Riley Graybeal Cornett

Riley Graybeal Cornett went to be with the Lord on July 19, 2017 surrounded by family. Born April 16, 1925 to Estel Phleet Cornett and Minnie Wright Cornett in Flatridge, Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Gearleen Trivitt Cornett honoring 64 years of marriage and by one brother Charles Bert Cornett of Bristol, TN. After arriving in Maryland, he worked at the Indian Spring Farm in Darlington, MD, the Bainbridge Naval Station in Port Deposit, MD and Edgewood Arsenal now known as Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Edgewood Area. Riley was drafted in the Army on June 21, 1943. He served in World War II, the European Theater and landed on Normandy Beach in France on D+2 day. He also, served in Northern France and the Rhineland in Germany. He was a part of the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes Forest which was one of the deciding battles of WWII. He received a Good Conduct Medal, a European, African and Middle Eastern Service Ribbon as well as the World War II Victory Ribbon. He was honorably discharged December 22, 1945 at the rank of Technician 5th Grade. He is listed at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. Riley was a professional truck driver for many years which included owning his own company. The company was sold but yet you will still see "Cornett Transportation" trucks on the road. After retiring he and his wife enjoyed traveling in their camper for many years and visited every continental state in the US.

In addition to his wife and brother, Riley is survived by his son Robert "Danny" Cornett and his wife Liz of San Antonio, TX, daughter Deborah Thomas and her husband Larry of Havre de Grace, MD, daughter Melissa Moatts and her husband Tommy of Peach Bottom, PA. Grandson Alexander Cornett and his wife Sheryl, granddaughter Brandee Vega and her husband Allen from San Antonio, TX. Granddaughter's Makaela Moatts and Madison Moatts of Peach Bottom, PA and his beloved great-grandchildren Greyson and Ava Vega of San Antonio, TX.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.