David Wilson Cornett

David Wilson Cornett, age 77 of Warm Springs, GA, passed away Saturday, September 27, 2025, at his residence.

Mr. Cornett was a Christian.

Born March 21, 1948 in Columbus, GA, the son of Homer Wilson Cornett and Mary Elizabeth Mathews Cornett. He was a 1966 graduate of Central High School in Phenix City, AL, and later attended the University of Alabama, where he played football under Coach Bear Bryant. He earned a business degree and graduated from Samford University. Mr. Cornett served a number of years in sales and management for several trucking companies. In the mid 1970's, his life changed course when Jud Nelson, a Master Blacksmith in Sugar Valley, GA, introduced him to the world of Blacksmithing. From that point forward, he served his apprenticeship, and became a Master Blacksmith himself. Over the next four decades he traveled extensively, working, demonstrating and taking on apprentices to the art. For many years he served as the resident Blacksmith at Westville, near Lumpkin, GA, where he rebuilt the forge and took on several apprentices. His works have been featured in numerous exhibits, shows and craft fairs, throughout the nation, and he has been featured in numerous publications, including Lives Shaped by Steel. Of all his creations, his favorite was the courtyard gate that he designed and built for the Eleventh Street entrance at First Presbyterian Church in Columbus, GA.

In 1998, he was officially made a Kentucky Colonel, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He also became a licensed auctioneer and would provide his services for fundraising events.

Mr. Cornett was a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Pine Mountain, GA.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Meg Russell Cornett. He is survived by his son, Mathew Wilson Cornet of Columbus, GA; a sister, Mary B. Fry and her husband, Kim Fry, of Indiana; and a very dear friend, Genny Barnes of Pine Mountain, GA.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 PM Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Bethany Baptist Church in Pine Mountain, GA, with Rev. Mike Yarbrough officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 2:00 until 3:00 PM Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Valley Rescue Mission in Columbus, GA.