On September 8, 2023, Cornell Gable Pennix, (aka “Tom,” and “Box Car”), left this world and went to be with our Lord. Born in Lynchburg, VA on July 29, 1958, he was the son of the late Willie Hubbard Pennix and Lenora Evans Pennix. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents David and Linda Evans Pennix and Hubert and Irene Russ Evans; three brothers, Willie Pennix Jr. “Boone” and Ronald Lee Pennix “Fuzzy” and Edward Harvey, and one sister Christine Marie Banks (Richard).
Cornell was a member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church and was retired on disability from Flowers Foods, Inc. He had an extensive employment history to include cook at the former Ground Round restaurant; cook for nearly 20 years with Centra Health’s Virginia Baptist Hospital before moving on to Bridges Residential Facility. Cornell attended Lynchburg City Schools and received his GED. He also served 2 years in the United States Navy.
Cornell is survived by his wife LaDonna Gail Cabell Pennix; two daughters, Lauren Courtney Bryant (Erik) and Amber Annette Allen (Lee); one son Clifford Cornell Pennix (Brittany); three grandsons, Erik Bryant, Jr., Jacovy Bryant and Aegon Bryant; three granddaughters, Dylan Bryant, Valencia Bryant and Carter Allen; three brothers Tyrone C. Pennix, Ray Charles Pennix (Gladys) and Anthony J. Pennix; one sister Jacqueline Stone (Arthur) all of Lynchburg. He is also survived by three sisters-in-law Anna Cabell 0f Alexandria, VA; Patsy Pennix and Shirley Pennix both of Lynchburg; two brothers-in-law, Ardie Thomas of Forest, VA and Alonz0 Cabell, Jr. of Oakland, CA; a cherished and devoted cousin, Sharon Brown (Jimmy) and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A celebration of Cornell’s life will be held Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Mount Carmel Baptist Church (800 Cabell Street; Lynchburg, VA). Family visitation will be held from 2 pm until 3 pm and the celebration of his life will be held at 3 pm. All other visitation will be held at 1309 Gilmore Circle between the hours of 12 pm and 6 pm.
Masks are required for the service.