William Mason Cornish

William Mason “Bill” Cornish, widower of Betty Jean Stamper Cornish, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Monday, April 24, 2023 in Waynesboro, VA.

He was born in Washington County, KY to William Edgar Cornish and Clara Beasley Cornish on June 2, 1927.  Bill Cornish rose through the ranks of the U.S. Public Health Service until his retirement as Director of the PHS Clinic in Washington DC in 1986. He was appointed to The Federal Emergency Management Agency as a member of the National Defense Executive Reserve, receiving many commendations for his hospital administrative expertise.  Bill served as President on multiple associations and was honored with the unique distinction of a Kentucky Colonel. He was an active member of Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church in Fishersville, VA.  Bill was an avid woodworker, master craftsman, artist, musician, farmer and friend.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by all his siblings.

Mr. Cornish is survived by sons, William Steven Cornish and wife, Kay Yost of Fishersville, VA, and Timothy Mason Cornish and wife, Gail Garrett Cornish of Crozet, VA; grandchildren Alison Leigh Cornish, William Daniel Cornish, and Olivia Jean Cornish; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Bill's life will be conducted at 11am on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church, 30 Tinkling Spring Dr, Fishersville, VA 22939. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah, P. O. Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939.

Arrangements are by Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, Fishersville, VA.

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