Clifton Eugene Cornelius, 81, went to his heavenly home on April 27, 2024, in Lunenburg County Virginia with family by his side. Clifton was born in Sanger, California in 1942 to Clifford and Pearl (Shafer) Cornelius. Clifton lived in Sanger most of his life. There he attended Sanger High and the Sanger First Pentecostal Church. Clifton served in the U.S. Navy where he became a Seabee and was honorably discharged after his service. Clifton was known for his skills as a heavy equipment mechanic working for Case on various farm equipment in the San Joaquin Valley. He quickly became a sought-after mechanic Case would have him travel to various locations outside of the San Joaquin Valley. After leaving Case he worked for the Orange Cove – Sanger Citrus Association where he eventually retired. As the lead mechanic, Cliff kept the processing lines running at packing house locations in Orange Cove and Sanger. His mechanical and welding skills ensured the lines kept running, which meant the fruit was processed in a timely manner. After the passing of his wife Patricia, he eventually went to live with his daughter, Jeannette, and her husband at their house in Virginia. There he lived out his days being kept company by the family pet, Bailey. During his life Clifton loved to fish in his spare time. At his daughter’s house he had access to the pond which was stocked with Bass, Crappie, and Bluegill. Clifton was predeceased by his wife, Patricia (Gee); daughter, Susan Rose Cornelius; his parents; and brother, Ronald Cornelius. He is survived by his brother, Larry Cornelius (Jewell); daughter, Jeannette Knight (Tim); son, Timothy Cornelius (Sandy); stepson, Thomas Burrows (Shelly); His Grandchildren Heather Dalton (Ben); Erik Knight (Tara); Anthony Cornelius (Janina); Melissa Azbill (Erich); Anthony, Devin, Hailee, and Conner Cornelius; Thomas and Jonathan Burrows. His great-grandchildren, Joshua (Leiah), Allyson, and Chloe Berry; Luke, Ryan, and Ava Dalton; Joseph, Jacob, and Jeremiah Knight; Gaberiel, Liam, and Dominic Cornelius; and Elliott Azbill. The family would like to thank the people at Amedisys Hospice of Blackstone that cared for Clifton during his final days; you provided outstanding care and comfort to Clifton and the family. Thank you. Clifton was a born again Christian and knew where he was going upon his passing. During his final days a comment was made that God almost had his room ready; he quickly replied that his room is ready. It is of utmost comfort to the family knowing that Cliff is now rejoicing with his family in heaven. A private service will be held at a later date. He will be inurned at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Amelia, Virginia.
