Bernard F. Kornegay

1931 - 2023

Bernard F. Kornegay, age 92, went to be with the Lord on October 15, 2023 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was born on July 13, 1931 in Duplin County, North Carolina to Mr. and Mrs. Zollie Kornegay. Bernard was preceded in death by his three brothers, Selby, Rodney, and Cecil. He attended B.F. Grady High School. He then tied as valedictorian at his alma mater: N.C. State. After completing his Bachelor's degree, he was drafted into the Army and proudly served with the United States Army Military Police Corps in Las Vegas, and Presideo Main Gate at Army Headquarters in San Francisco, CA.

Bernard and Martha married in March of 1955. They spent a year and a half enjoying CA, sightseeing and touring the Bay Area. After Bernard's Army tour, they returned to Raleigh, NC where Bernard continued on to earn his Master's degree.

Bernard's first job required a move to Washington, NC with the NC Extension Service. A year and a half later, he joined the largest fertilizer company in the US, Smith-Douglass Fertilizer, as a manager. Two years later, he was asked to joined the S-D Headquarters in Norfolk, VA, where his territory included all the offices east of the Mississippi River.

Bernard was awarded "Boss of the Year" by the Norfolk Secretaries Association in 1984. He was instrumental in forming the Tidewater Rotary Club, as well as serving as the club's first president, with the support and sponsorship of the Norfolk Rotary Club. He was a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.

After 27 years in the fertilizer business, Bernard retired and he and Martha enjoyed traveling, as well as making memories at their North Carolina cabin.

Bernard and Martha joined Baylake United Methodist Church in 1968 where he served as Lay Speaker, Chairman of the Board, and several other committees.

Mr. Kornegay is survived by his wife of 67 years, Martha; son, B. Flynn Kornegay, Jr. (and a very special lady friend, Susan Pittman); daughter, Susan Kornegay Johnson (Stephen Johnson, deceased); three grandchildren, Heather Kornegay Robinson (Josh Robinson), Justin M. Dixon; Maddie E. Johnson and Adam Pittman; and one special great-grandson, Jameson B. Robinson; Patrick Minnie, and so many other "very special adopted friends", both near and far.

Services will be held at Baylake UMC in Virginia Beach. The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 21st at 1:00 PM, with the funeral to begin at 2:00 PM, followed by a reception. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Baylake UMC, 4300 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23455.