On Monday, February 23, 2026, our beloved “Pap” went to Heaven.

Dennis A. “Pap” Cornett, age 79 of Clinton, was born October 8, 1946, in Pine Mountain, KY.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Harrison and Ora Mae Cornett, of Pine Mountain, KY. His wife’s parents, Kermit and Ella Jane Wilder, of KY.

His son, Dennis S. Cornett.

His brother, Lester Cornett, and wife, Peggy, and his sister, Ola Mae Hall.

His sister-in-law and her husband, Phyllis and Coburn Turner, brothers-in-law, Don and Clyde Wilder, and son-in-law, John Fugate.

He is survived by his lifelong friend and loving wife of 59 years, Peggy Wilder Cornett.

He and Peggy grew up together. They went to Sunday School together before they were school age. When Peggy was 10 years old, she told him that she was going to marry him one day. When they were 17, he asked her to marry him. She said they were too young. They married when they were 19.

His children: Deanna Fugate Blackburn (Neil) and Wesley Wilder (Susan).

Grandchildren: Leah Green (Andrew), Taylor Fugate (Hannah), Trevor Blackburn, Corey Blackburn, Luna Wilder, Sophia and Rhett Middleton, Haylie, Alexis and Zoe Earles.

Great Grandchildren: Willow, Zane, Wylie, Ryanne, Everleigh, Baby Fugate, Naomi, Jackson, and Brysonn.

Other survivors include Dawn Middleton (James), Jennifer Cornett, Millie Earles (James), Sister-in-laws: Pauline Boggs (Bobby) and Barbie Halcomb (Johnny), and many nieces and nephews.

Dennis was affectionately called “Pap” by most everyone that knew him. His faith was strong and steady. His strong faith assured others that God’s plans are perfect and true, and that we shouldn’t worry. He accepted Christ as his Savior during a Sunday morning fishing trip on Norris Lake. He was a devoted member of First Dutch Vally Baptist Church and loved his church family.

He opened his home and heart to many, expecting nothing in return, but had such a positive impact on so many lives.

Dennis started his life of giving at an early age. When he was 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and proudly served his country for over 36 years. He was a Vietnam veteran serving one tour of duty on the Coast Guard Cutter Ingham. While in the Coast Guard Reserves he earned the rank of Master Chief Machinery Technician, a rank only a small percentage of enlisted personnel receive.

He served his country with enduring pride and great humility. He didn’t talk much about his service or the recognition he received. He traveled all over the world and was adamant that the hills of Kentucky and East Tennessee were the most beautiful places on Earth. Being at home and church were his happy places.

Pap loved his family. He was our rock. He worked tirelessly providing for the ones he loved. He spent many days working on the farm, his job at Y-12 Steam Plant, and then fulfilling his duties for the Coast Guard Reserves. He was our go-to person for every question or problem. He always had an answer or solution. He had so much wisdom and was willing to share his knowledge… his way. He enjoyed having family gatherings and celebrations. He looked forward to camping (glamping), Blue Grass festivals, and beach vacations. He just loved being around the ones he loved. And we loved being around him. Oh, how he will be missed.

When the great-grandbabies started coming that love turned into something else- something bigger, brighter, and bolder. And it all started with the purchase of a blue Power Wheels Jeep. He said if he knew having grandbabies was so much fun, he would have had them first.

Pap loved gardening and he grew one of the largest ones around. Come harvest time he would share with his family and neighbors. Fishing was something he loved and wished he could have done more often. Another pastime he recently rekindled was beekeeping. He enjoyed checking on his bees and eating honey. Come harvest time he was like Pooh Bear.

Family and special friends will be lovingly carrying Pap’s body to his final resting place: Jimmy Smith, Taylor Fugate, Wesley Wilder, Andrew Green, Trevor Blackburn, Neil Blackburn, Dave Polk, Josh Jones, and special attendants Willow and Zane.

In lieu of flowers we request that you make a loving donation to your favorite Christian charity or church.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Sharp Funeral Home in Oliver Springs, TN from 12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. with Bro. Jeff Parrott and Bro. Gene Roach officiating.

Following the funeral a Graveside with Military Honors service will be held at the First Dutch Valley Baptist Church Cemetery in Clinton, TN.

Sharp Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Cornett family during this time of need.