The loss of a loved one is a heart wrenching experience, whether a death is sudden or expected, the loss is indescribable. 

It is with heartfelt  sympathy that Eddie & Jackie Nelson and the Support Staff of Nelson's Funeral Home sadly announce the death of Mr. Sammy "Drums"  Cornelius, Jr.  

Mr. Cornelius departed his earthly life Tuesday, November 13, 2018. 

Funeral Services for Mr. Cornelius will be held Saturday, November 17, 2018; 12:00 Noon at Fairfield Central High School, 836 U.S. 321 Bypass South, Winnsboro, South Carolina. 

Interment will follow in Morris Creek Baptist Church  Cemetery, 1401 Morris Creek Road, Winnsboro, South Carolina.

Public viewing will take place Friday, November 16, 2018; 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. ONLY at the funeral home; and Saturday, November 17, 2018; beginning  at 10:30 a.m. until the service begin at Fairfield Central High School.

Mr. Sammy Allen Cornelius, Jr, affectionately known as, “Lil Sam” was born on June 12, 2001 in Columbia, SC.  He was the son of Mr. Sammy Cornelius, Sr. and Mrs. Shameka Cornelius.  He departed this earthly life on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.

Lil Sam was a senior at Fairfield Central High School.  As a student at FCHS, he was a member of the National Beta Club, Student Government Association, and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).  Lil Sam assisted with many extracurricular activities at the school including the Golden Griffin Marching Band, the FCHS Concert Band, and the FCHS Gospel Choir.  He played basketball and was a member of Upward Bound at Benedict College.

Lil Sam was in the process of preparing for college after high school.   He had received four college acceptances and was in contact with Berkley School of Music.   Lil Sam’s most recent accolade was being crowned Homecoming King for 2018.  

Lil Sam had many talents.  He was a show drummer and recently added the keyboard and guitar to his musical resume.  He was a musician for the following churches:  Central Baptist, First Nazareth, The Meeting Place, and guest musician for many other churches in and out of South Carolina.  Last year he was afforded the opportunity to grace the stage with the world-renowned gospel artist, John P. Kee.

Sammy loved his family and friends dearly and he never met a stranger.  His smile would light up any room.  He always motivated and encouraged others to work to reach their full potential.  He enjoyed dirt bike racing, riding 4-wheelers, drawing and writing poetry.   Lil Sam understood “hard work” and was an entrepreneur.  He maintained good grades while working in the barbershop with his father, working at KFC, and beginning his own towing company.   He was known for saying “to the top we go” because he knew he was going to be successful but he also made sure he uplifted others with him.

Although he was only 17 years old, he had received many accolades.   As an infant, his picture was chosen to be included on the pamphlets and flyers by DHEC to bring awareness to SIDS.  At age 10, he was the runner up at the Chapin Idol Contest.  In 2014, while in middle school, he won “This Schools Got Talent” Contest for the state of SC.   While in the fourth grade, he became the youngest member of the FCHS marching band.

He also won many talent shows for his role as a musician and had an eye for fashion and he was known for his “swag.”

Those left to cherish his memories are his parents Mr. Sammy and Shameka Cornelius; two sisters, Meagan Cornelius of the home and Shemeka Morgan Alejandro of Florida; two brothers, Devin Cornelius and Jarius Etheridge; paternal grandparents Mary Bethel Cornelius and Mr. James and Mrs. Geraldine Seibels; aunts, Lydia Stroud, Michele (Anthony) Simpson, Renee Stroud, Angela Stroud and Joy (Travis) Peterson; uncles Jeffery (Alberta) Stroud, John Stroud, Randy (Willie Mae) Cornelius, John (Mary Cornelius) and James (Tonya) Seibles; godmother, Mary Abell; godfather, Frankie Williams; and a host of other family and friends who loved Lil Sam dearly.  

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Mr. Robert and Mrs. Osie B. Stroud; his paternal grandfather, Mr. Sammy Allen Barber; two uncles, Agurs Stroud and Robert Stroud, Jr.