Ron Cornelius

Ronald Dean Cornelius was born in Richmond, California on February 15, 1945. He passed away at the age of 76 on Aug 18, 2021, at NorthCrest Health in Springfield, TN from complications after suffering a stroke two months prior. Ron was a resident of Pleasant View, TN at the time of his death. He moved to Nashville and has lived in the surrounding area for the past 40+ years.

Ron graduated from Richmond High School in 1962. By that time his band, The Untouchables, already had their first record deal. The band continued to play annually at a charity fundraiser until COVID hit. Ron had an amazing music career that spanned over six decades. He played in several bands and released a solo album, Tin Luck. He has been in concert with, on tour with or played on the albums of Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, Glen Campbell, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald and many more. Later in his life he became a music producer in Nashville, owning both the Cornelius Companies and Gateway Entertainment. Many of his incredible stories were chronicled in his book, The Guitar Behind Dylan & Cohen.

He is survived by his niece, Leesa Rankins Moore, as well as several cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dawn Carter Cornelius, his parents, Jim and Minnie Cornelius, and his sister, Darlene Cornelius Rankins.

Ron deeply loved and was loved by his family, friends, music partners and pets. Donations may be made to Music City Animal Rescue (musiccityanimalrescue.com) who rescued his four fur babies when he fell ill. Celebration of Life TBA at a future date.

Robertson County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

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