James Robert “Robert” Cornell, age 79, of Deep Gap, North Carolina, passed away on September 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of the family that meant everything to him.

Robert shared 61 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Brenda Watson Cornell. Together, they built a life centered around family; hard work, laughter, and countless memories made over more than six decades together.

In addition to his wife, Brenda, Robert is survived by his two daughters, Dawn Chiarolanzio and husband Skip, of Deep Gap, and Angela McLean and husband Travis, of Banner Elk.

He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Robert Chiarolanzio and wife Char, of West Jefferson; Adam Chiarolanzio and wife Lexy, of Salisbury; Brooke Chiarolanzio and fiancé Cody Burpo, of Lexington; Amber Chiarolanzio and significant other Aaron Williams, of Greensboro; Holden McLean and Austin McLean, of Banner Elk; and Josh Nations and wife Meghan, of Boone.

Robert was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, Kaiden and Jaxon Chiarolanzio and Scarlet and Piper Nations, who brought him great joy.

Also surviving Robert is his very special friend, George Ashley, who was much more than a friend to Robert and was truly like a brother.

Robert was preceded in death by his loving son, James Douglas Cornell; his parents, Ernest Cornell and Maude McCaslin; and his siblings, Linda, Roy, Wayne, Dean, and Steve.

He was also preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Stewart and Mary Cornell, who held an incredibly special place in his heart. Robert lived with his grandparents during much of his childhood and teenage years, and they played a tremendous role in raising him and shaping him into the man he became. Stewart taught him the art of painting that later became his career. He loved them dearly and spoke of them often throughout his life. The lessons, love, and values they gave him stayed with him always.

Robert also held a very special place in his heart for Jake and Norma Smit. Jake was much more than a friend to Robert; he was like a father to him and someone who had a lasting impact on his life.

Robert spent 60 years as a painting contractor and took tremendous pride in his work. He believed in doing a job right, and his work can still be seen in countless homes throughout the area. For Robert, painting wasn’t simply how he made a living—it was a craft he took pride in and a reflection of the hardworking man he was.

When he wasn’t working, Robert loved being outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, tending to his flowers and garden, and had a special love for animals. He was especially fond of a great blue heron on Hilton Head Island that he affectionately called “his bird.” Watching for his bird became something special to him and a memory his family will always hold dear.

But nothing compared to his love for his family. Above everything else in his life, Robert loved his family fiercely and completely. The time he spent with them mattered more to him than anything.

Those who knew Robert will also remember his wonderful sense of humor. He was a jokester who loved to laugh, tease, and play a good trick on an unsuspecting friend or family member. Robert was never short on one of his many “sayings.” His family could probably fill a book with them—and chances are, many of those sayings will continue to be repeated, bringing laughter and memories of him for generations to come.

Robert leaves behind much more than the work of his hands. He leaves behind 61 years of marriage, a family he adored, friendships that became family, stories that will be told again and again, sayings that will forever sound like him, and a lifetime of memories shared with the people he loved most.

His family will miss his laughter, his jokes, his tricks, his advice, his stories, and all of the little things that simply made him husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

The family would like to say thank you to Robert’s care team at Watauga Medical Center including Dr. Kevin Wolfe and all the nurses in ICU. They have become like family to us and have taken such good care of him and us during these difficult times.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 PM Wednesday September 30, 2026, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Harvey Presnell will officiate. Graveside service will follow at the Cornell Family Cemetery in Deep Gap. The family will receive friends from 11:00 until 12:00, prior to the service.

Flowers are appreciated. The family respectfully requests no food.

Pallbearers will be Robert, Adam, Kaiden, Jaxon Chiarolanzio, Holden and Austin McLean and Josh Nations.

Online condolences may be sent to the Cornell family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.