Samuel Tilden Cornwell

Samuel Tilden Cornwell, known to friends and family as Sam, finished his earthly race on June 5, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was 91. Born on April 1, 1934, Sam's life was defined by an unwavering faith, devotion to family, and steadfast service to others.

Growing up in Charlotte's Midwood neighborhood, Sam was the eldest son of Samuel Guy and Ethel Gantt Cornwell. His childhood memories were grounded in simple joys and the lessons of hard work-from delivering newspapers and working as a soda jerk to summers spent on construction crews. Sports were always central to Sam's life; he was an accomplished athlete at Central High School, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. His love of sports continued till the end, with a special intensity for Tar Heel basketball. Sam graduated from Central in 1951 with a scholarship to attend Presbyterian College, where he joined the ROTC and Sigma Nu fraternity. Central High and PC birthed many lifelong friendships.

In the summer of 1952, Sam met Olive Jane Ferguson at Covenant Presbyterian Church's youth group gathering, sparking a courtship that flourished through their college years. They married on April 9, 1955, creating a partnership built on mutual faith, love, and commitment that spanned nearly 70 years. Together they raised three children-Chris, Rebecca, and Elizabeth-in a home filled with warmth, laughter, and deeply rooted faith.

Following his graduation from PC in 1955, Sam entered the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant with the Army Security Agency. Stationed in Germany from 1956-1957 with the 302nd Communications Reconnaissance Battalion, he held top-secret clearance in communications intelligence. He often spoke of that time as formative, fostering important lessons in discipline and leadership. Sam would also say that Germany opened the world up to him and Olive, igniting a love of travel that would lead to many adventures throughout their married lives.

When his military service concluded, Sam and Olive returned to Charlotte, where he began a distinguished 57-year career in the life insurance business, first with Pilot Life, then Jefferson-Pilot, and eventually with Lincoln Financial. Sam was an original member of Jefferson-Pilot's Hall of Fame. In 1998, he was honored with the Jefferson-Pilot's W.H. Andrews Award for lifetime achievement-a fitting tribute for his many years of dedicated and productive service.

But Sam's true legacy is the people he loved and served. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, ever present at family milestones and ordinary days alike. He cherished his nine grandchildren-Caitlin, Samuel, Sallie, Madeleine (Ryan), Will (Courtney), Lily, Chris (Erica), Harrison, and Ellie-and rejoiced in the arrival of seven great-grandchildren: Tilden, Everly, Judah, Noah, Selah, Nathan, and Clayton.

The defining moment of Sam's life came in September 1971, when he experienced a profound spiritual transformation, encountering Christ in a personal and life-changing way. That weekend changed everything. From that day forward, his faith became central, guiding every aspect of his life. He passionately served Westminster Presbyterian Church in numerous roles-deacon, elder, youth leader, and Sunday School teacher. His ministry extended into the community through Charlotte Young Life, serving on its Adult Committee from 1978-83 and subsequently mentoring scores of young men as a Young Life leader at Myers Park High School. Many of those young men remained close to Sam throughout his life, a testament to the lasting impact of his investment in their lives.

Sam was a visionary leader committed to developing the next generation. In 1996, he co-founded the Charlotte Leadership Forum alongside dear friends Bud Carrier, Don Wrigley, and Steady Cash. CLF, a two-year program designed to equip young businessmen for lives of significance and service, has since graduated hundreds of men who continue to impact their communities, workplaces, and churches. His compassion for disadvantaged children inspired the founding of Brookstone Schools in 2001, a thriving private Christian K-8 school serving Charlotte's inner city.

He was a mentor, encourager, and steadfast friend to many, consistently offering wisdom, support, and prayer. Sam embodied what it meant to "finish strong," remaining devoted to his family, mentoring others, and faithfully sharing the hope he found in Christ.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." -II Timothy 4:7-8

Samuel Tilden Cornwell lived these words fully. His legacy continues in every life he touched, every person he discipled, and every ministry he helped establish. As he would say, "To God be the glory-it's all about Jesus."

Sam was preceded in death by his beloved Olive, his brother Dick, and his parents. He is survived by his children-Chris (Cheryl), Rebecca Chambers, and Elizabeth Deakin-his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a large circle of friends who remain profoundly grateful for his life.

A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on July 13 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Brookstone Schools of Charlotte or Westminster Presbyterian Church.