Harold Cornett

It is with heavy hearts the family of Harold Cornett announce his peacefully passing at his home in Cumberland on Sunday, January 12, 2025.

Born in Gordon, Kentucky, on the 8th day of February 1938, he was the son of the late Chester, Sr. and Mary Ratliff Cornett. In 1964, he met, and married Sylvia Simpson and they had three children, Greg, Jeff and Paige.

At an early age he always wanted to help others and be useful and while attending Hurricane Gap Elementary School in Linefork, Kentucky, he would arrive early at school and build a fire so that the building would be nice and warm. He became known as their “Master Fire Builder”.

One of his goals in life was to become an educator. He began that endeavor by first attending and graduating from Cumberland College and later Carson Newman College. His first teaching and coaching position was at Kingdom Come High School. In 1965, Harold began his teaching, coaching and bus driving career at Cumberland High School. He continued his education by obtaining his Master’s degree and Rank 1 from Eastern Kentucky University. He retired from Cumberland High School and the Harlan County Board of Education as a teacher, coach and bus driver, having 30 years in education and 40 years as a bus driver. His devotion to his students was unwavering. He enjoyed driving students to away ballgames and band competitions.

In 1975, he professed his faith and the love for the Lord by joining and being baptized at the Cumberland Missionary Baptist Church. In 1978, he became a deacon, member of several church committees and eventually chairman of the deacon board, a position he currently held. He also taught Sunday School from 1980 until 2024. In 2000, he became a member of the Cumberland Housing Authority Board of Directors and was currently serving as chairman.

In 2006, his most loved position was filled when he became a grandfather to Holden and in 2009 to Harper.

Harold was a devoted family man with strong core values. He was described as humble, faithful, appreciative, helpful, loving and caring. He would often take an hour or more at the local grocery store, because everyone enjoyed conversing and catching up. He was also an avid UK basketball fan and a respected man in the community, his departing will be felt by many.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Olan Cornett and Chester Cornett, Jr., and sisters, Beatrice Morgan and Doris Morgan.

Left to cherish his honorable memory, his wife of 60 years, Sylvia Cornett; daughter, Paige “Pooh” Hackler and husband Wayne; sons, Greg Cornett and Jeff Cornett; grandchildren, Holden and Harper Hackler; brother, Jerry Cornett; sisters, Carolyn Fisher and Shirley Barnes and husband Ralph.

An animal lover, his fur babies Katie Belle and Zippy will miss him.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 17, 2025, beginning at 11:30 a.m. with funeral services starting at 1 p.m. at the Cumberland Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Todd Hatfield and Rev. Dennis Williams officiating.

Cumberland Valley Funeral Home is Honored to Serve the Cornett Family.

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