Dr. Leland R. Cornelius' Obituary
Leland R. Cornelius, M.D. passed away at home on Thursday, April 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. The oldest of three children, he was born August 7, 1928 to Leland and Lydia Cornelius in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He served in the United States Army prior to attending The University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Memphis State University and The University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences. He received his Medical degree in 1963 and interned at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. He began Family Practice in Dalton, Georgia. From there he went to Bridgton, Maine and then was Plant Physician for DuPont in Kinston and Wilmington, North Carolina.
After relocating to the Mid-South in 1972, Leland returned to private practice in Southaven, Mississippi, before opening Germantown Family Practice where he saw patients until his retirement in 2000. At Germantown Methodist Hospital he served three years as their first Chairman of the Board. He loved and enjoyed the practice of medicine and for many years was voted “Favorite Doctor” by the Germantown News. Following his retirement, he did military recruitment physicals for The MEPS and worked part-time at The Stanton Health Center. His many hobbies included working on his antique cars, traveling and woodworking. His woodworking skills produced many treasured items for his family and friends.
A member of Germantown United Methodist Church for almost 50 years, he was an active member of Fellowship Forum Sunday School and over the years served on several church committees.
He loved his family and is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sharon, children Susan Schultz of Greenville, NC, Patty Sterbinsky (Dr. Allan) of Stanton, TN, Joe Cornelius (Christi) of St. Cloud, FL, Lee Cornelius (Melissa) of Myrtle Beach, SC, Christy Vickrey (C.B.) of Germantown, TN, Dr. Jimmy Murphy (Jennifer) of Somerville, TN, and Scott Murphy (Martha) of Collierville, TN, 16 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren.
He was pre-deceased by his parents, his brother, Reuben H. Cornelius of Chattanooga, TN, his sister Mary Jane Nale of Atlanta, GA and granddaughter, Mary Brooks Murphy of Germantown, TN.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Germantown United Methodist Church, (GUMC), 2331 S. Germantown Rd., Germantown, TN on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11 a.m. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and a reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to GUMC (designated for the Mary Brooks Murphy Youth Mission Fund or the Lauren Wright Hobbs Nursing Scholarship), St. Jude Research Hospital or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924.
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