Terry Lee Cornwell

Terry Lee Cornwell, born October 30, 1943, at Roswell Army Airfield in Roswell, New Mexico, passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at age 69 after a brave struggle with cancer. The retired soldier and Vietnam veteran cherished his family time. His hobbies included photography, computer technology, delighting in new electronic toys, coin collecting, fishing, spending time with his grandkids and trips to Las Vegas with his wife. Terry told stories with great enthusiasm and listeners had no choice but to remain captivated. He was raised in San Diego, California while working for the family dairy business and throughout school, was a star football player. Terry brought his talents to the US Army, earning the Bronze Star for his actions in Vietnam. After traveling extensively for many years, he and his family settled down in El Paso, Texas where many military retirees call home after their time of service. He is survived by his beloved wife Soon Hee, son William “Gilbert” Cornwell, daughter Gail Cornwell, son and daughter-in-law Gary and Kelly Cornwell, daughter and son-in-law Gina and Raul Morales, grandchildren Dallas, Rhiannon and Zeth Rodriguez, brother and sister-in-law Bill and Evelyn Calori, sister Cathi Calori, brother and sister-in-law Donald Jr. and Jessica Calori, nephews Will and Peter Calori, Christopher and Joshua Granger, Savanna, Nick and Sasha Calori, great nephews Apu and Pedru Calori, Miles Granger, great niece Lucia Francesca Calori and family pets Prince, Coco and Booboo. The Cornwell family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern and kindness shown to them during this time of bereavement. Memorial Visitation is on Tuesday, August 13, 2013, from 5:00pm to 8:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home, 4631 Hondo Pass, El Paso, Texas 79904. Committal Service is on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 10:30 am at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery with full military honors. Gentle Giant: Family Hero I always referred to Terry as my “biggest and best brother” which would elicit an immediate correction by adults. “You mean he is your oldest brother.” And, at the risk of slighting my other four brothers, I would always respond, “No, he is my biggest and best brother !” He was big! And he was strong! Perhaps one of the best athletes I ever knew. I grew up watching him play Varsity Football after which he went on to play football for the United States Army. Yet despite his immense strength, he was one of the gentlest people to grace the earth. I watched him command immediate attention from his children and grandchildren, not by shouting, but by lowering his voice. I don’t believe I ever heard him yell. Everyone who knew Terry noticed his velvet resonant voice. He had a voice like thick honey that could soothe the most agitated state. When you heard Terry’s dulcet tones, you just knew that all is right with the world. Terry’s voice could fill a room or whisper softly. In either case, you suddenly felt totally safe. I recall the first time that he brought his beautiful bride, Soon Hee, home to meet the family. It was my first view of what it was like to fall in love and choose a life partner. This giant of a man turned to jelly, as he introduced his bride. He continued to love her with a passion that knew no bounds for nearly 50 years. Their love deepened and matured through all of those years but even nearly a half a century later, he still had that same rapture whenever he saw her or talked of her. I credit Terry with teaching me what it can mean to be a parent and a grandparent. Terry never wavered in his ultimate devotion and concern for his four children. When his daughter had children, he was so smitten with the beauty and mystical intelligence of his grandchildren that he took pictures of them practically every 2 hours throughout their growing years. He truly gave his last two decades on earth in loving attention to his grandson, Dallas and granddaughter, Rhiannon. This was not your typical grandpa kind of fleeting attention but daily trips to their classrooms, spending hours as the class photographer for their schools, and providing all child care the two kids ever needed: always considering it a great honor to do it. These kids now carry on Terry’s legacy. His grace, dignity and kindness are evidenced in these two amazing human beings and all of his children. There is no doubt that Terry will continue to look down from heaven, sighing expansively with every victory they enjoy and providing encouragement and guidance in every challenge they encounter. I live far away from El Paso in Upstate New York. A move I made to be closer to Terry and his family when they were stationed at the Seneca Army Depot. Some of the most delightful moments of my life were spent there with Terry and Lee and kids. Our mother and brother passed July 31, 2007. After their death, he was a constant source of succor and reassurance to me in my grief. He was my confidant for the million little decisions that must be made after loved ones pass. I don’t know how I would have made it through our Mom and brother’s illness and subsequent passing without Terry’s virtual hand holding. As happens in big families, siblings scattered across the country and across the oceans. Communication often suffers and months, even years, can go by without talking. In my last actual conversation with Terry before he died, he told me that he thought of me every single day. That brightened my world in a way that was transformative. I was able to share with him that, even though time would slip away without talking, I too thought of him every single day and would not be the same person I am today without his amazing positive influence. On my last trip to El Paso, we stayed up until 3am, reminiscing, sharing stories, laughing, drinking coffee and just hanging out. When I returned home from that trip I remember remarking to my family, being with Terry was one of the most healing and encouraging experiences I have been blessed with. When I first got to the Hospice and saw him lying there, as if asleep, at first it was hard to grok that this was my Terry, my ‘biggest and best brother’. Ever the strong, sturdy, vibrant one, he was weak from the fight of his life, from weeks and months of pain and toxic medicines. His body functions were slowly shutting down. I think he was refusing to give up because he was still so worried about leaving his bride, his children, and his grandchildren. He had taken care of them forever and, I believe, could not let go because he was still worrying about them; still wanting to care for them. It was only with the adamant assertion of his loved ones that they would now take over caring for each other, that he was able to finally move on to his time of rest. Goodbye Gentle Giant. None of us would be the same without your leadership and example. Rest well. You lived a beautiful life. We will strive to carry on your legacy. If we can become even a little like you, we will have succeeded. Thank you for your love, your protection, your concern, your humor, and your steadfastness. Thank you for living an example of what it means to be powerful and gentle human being.