Nathan Issac Cornish

Born on July 31, 1947, in Tyaskin, Maryland, Nathan graduated from Salisbury High School in 1966 after a successful football career. That same year, he entered military service with the United States Army, serving in Vietnam before his honorable discharge in 1972.

During his service, he met the love of his life, Vera Coppedge, through a pen pal exchange. Their heartfelt letters fostered a deep connection, and on March 31, 1969, they met in person for the first time at the airport in Chicago, Illinois, where Nathan immediately proposed. They married on August 17, 1969, and settled in Gary, Indiana.

Nathan began his career at Bethlehem Steel, where he became a licensed HVAC journeyman and contributed to the construction of the Sears Tower. In 1978, he transitioned to firefighting in Gary, Indiana, seeking to be closer to his growing family. In 1986, he moved his family to Virginia and continued firefighting at Fort Monroe and began working as a volunteer paramedic for the City of Va. Beach, where he served with distinction until 1998. Afterward, he worked as an HVAC engineer for the Virginia Beach School Board until his well-earned retirement in 2012.

Retirement allowed Nathan and Vera to embrace travel and missionary work. They journeyed to Nova Scotia, Alaska, the Bahamas, and Panama, where they served in missions. They also enjoyed visiting loved ones across the East Coast, cherishing time with family and friends.

A man of strong faith, Nathan was a dedicated deacon and greeter at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He served his community passionately, advocating against food insecurity and homelessness through the Hampton Roads Food Bank Share Program and low-income housing in Portsmouth, VA. His generosity, wisdom, and unwavering faith made a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Nathan also had a love for sports, enjoying softball, pool, table tennis, racquetball, and basketball. He valued the camaraderie and joy these activities brought to his life.

Nathan is survived by his beloved wife, Vera; his children, Janene and Jason (Marion); brothers, Monroe and McKinley; sisters, Evella and Floretha; and a host of cherished family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur “Bootsie” Cornish and Thelma Robinson Cornish.

A memorial service will be held on April 15, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Memorial gifts (checks only) may be sent to New Hope Baptist Church, 1317 Gust Lane, Chesapeake, VA 23323.

Nathan’s legacy of love, service, and faith will be cherished forever.