ST. JAMES — Mel H. Cornillaud, 80, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019.
Mel was born May 2, 1939, in Paducah, Kentucky, to the late Melvin H. Cornillaud Sr. and Geneva (Killebrew) Cornillaud.
Mel spent his college years studying engineering and management. He received degrees from MIT and the University of Wisconsin. He served in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.
In 1972, after moving to Chicago, Mel met Josephine S. “Jo” Brodzikhis, his wife of 43 years. As Mel continued his 30-plus-year career, holding senior management roles in the HVAC industry, it necessitated several moves throughout the United States.
Mel and Jo eventually moved to Georgia, where they joined a loving, spirit-filled church. At consecutive retreat/renewal weekends, they heard testimonies and teachings, engaged in worshipful singing and experienced genuine love. It was during this weekend that Mel and Jo both became “new creations” in Christ Jesus! (2 Cor. 5:17)
Mel took early retirement in 1995. They moved to Southport in 1996, and they joined Beach Road Baptist Church. Mel continued his ministry of bible teaching, and helped launch Beach Road’s mission and outreach efforts.
Mel had a zealous passion to help men grow in their faith. One of his dear friends at Lifeway called him a “men’s ministry maniac” because he was always on point for reaching men for Christ. This zeal and passion for training men to be the spiritual leaders in their homes took him far and wide throughout the world. One of Mel’s favorite bible verses was Joshua 24:15 “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Mel is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jo; sons, Mike Cornillaud, and his wife, Regina, of St. James and Steve Cornillaud, and his wife, Margie, of Moline, Illinois; and grandchildren, Cassandra, Christian, Sasha, Marcus Cornillaud and Mikey Politowicz.
The family will have visitation from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 8, at Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral Home, Southport. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, at Generations Church, 4019 Executive Park Blvd. SE, Southport. A private graveside service and reception will be held for the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beach Road Baptist Church, 4457 Flagship Ave. SE, Southport, NC 28461; or SECU Hospice House of Brunswick, 955 Mercy Lane, Bolivia, NC 28422.
Share online condolences with the family at Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service.
