William Terrell "Terry" Cornelius

Terry was born on February 14, 1955 to Betty and Ralph Cornelius in Houston, Texas. After graduating from Northwest Academy in 1973, (61 out of 62, with 62 being in jail, as he liked to joke), he went on to get his Bachelor’s degree from Baylor University in 1977 and his Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law in 1981.

After graduation and passing the State Bar of Texas in 1982, Terry proudly joined the family ranks as an Assistant District Attorney in the Harris County office, kicking off a forty-two year career in law. After four years with the D.A.’s office, he went into private practice as a criminal defense attorney where he built a successful career.

Terry loved cars, boating, hunting and cherished time with his four children and seven grandchildren. After a long day in court, he enjoyed unwinding with Tex-Mex, typically with his Cadillac Bar family. In recent years, he was a dedicated member of Seven Mile Church. He was a happy-go-lucky, class clown. He was well known for his practical jokes and loved providing laughs to those around him. He was a magnetic force that left a memorable impression after every introduction.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Ralph Cornelius. He is survived by his three siblings, Skip Cornelius (Laura Cornelius), Rusty Cornelius (Julie O’Brien), and Shirley Hipp (Richard Hipp) as well as his four children, Trey Cornelius (Kate Cornelius), Courtney Hughes (Bo Hughes), Carrie Cornelius and Kirby Cornelius. He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Gray Cornelius (5), Cooper Cornelius (2), Andy and Ben Cornelius (10m), Ellie Hughes (4), Penny Hughes (2), and Kiddy Hughes (6m).

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023 at 10:00AM at Seven Mile Road, 4701 Dickson Street, Houston, TX 77007. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception at Seven Mile Road. Terry will be interred to eternal rest in a private burial. In lieu of customary remembrances, those wishing to recognize and celebrate the life of Terry can make contributions to Seven Mile Road, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (of which he was a Lifetime Committeeman), or the Texas Youth Hunting Program.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brooksidefuneralhomelauder.com for the Cornelius family.