September 20, 2021, 84, Mount Olive –
Cecil Everette “Buddy” Kornegay, 84, lifelong resident of Mount Olive, passed away September 20, 2021 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center as he was surrounded by his family. Cecil was born in Wayne County on September 1, 1937, the only son of the late Cecil and Gertrude Kornegay. He graduated from Mount Olive High School in 1955. Upon graduating high school he served in the National Guard and married the love of his life, Betty Lou Waters. He had various jobs before beginning his career with Reeves Brothers of Kenansville, where he retired as general manager. Following retirement, he worked with his son, Doug, in his business, Kornegay Service Company.
In their early years Buddy and Betty Lou loved to spend time together on the golf course. He was a charter member of Southern Wayne Country Club, where he earned the nickname “Swoof”. After retirement, you could find Buddy in his favorite chair completing crossword puzzles or at the Southern Belle restaurant.
One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren. He spent every Sunday cooking lunch for his family and making sure everyone had their favorite foods. He provided lots of love and laughs with his dry sense of humor.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Betty Lou Waters Kornegay, his sons: Doug Kornegay and wife Bridgett; David Kornegay and wife Cheryl; and his nine grandchildren: Ivy Heath and husband Lee, Olivia Casey and husband Justin, Adam Kornegay, Mary Kornegay, Brooke Kornegay, Matthew Kornegay, Riley Grady, Laylah Grady and Seth Kornegay; three great-grandchildren: Rhett Heath, Eva Heath, and Walt Casey; and a sister, Ellen Williams of Wilmington. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Joyce Sloan and her husband, Glenn, and brother-in-law, David Williams.
The family would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the entire staff at 3HC and Kitty Askins for their outstanding care and kindness shown to Cecil during his illness. Also, a special thank you to his home caregiver, Harriet Wheeler.
Flowers are welcome or memorial gifts may be made to: Mt. Olive Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 158 Mt. Olive, NC 28365 or 3HC Home Health and Hospice/Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 2402 Wayne Memorial Dr. Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Graveside services will be held Friday, September 24 at 3pm at Wayne Memorial Park. The family will greet friends at the cemetery after the service, and at other times they will be at the residence.
