Zion, IL. – Cornell Barry, commonly known as "Nell" or "Barry", departed this life on Monday, December 27, 2021, at the age of 52. He was a loving and committed husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Cornell was born to the union of John Wade and Lillie Beatrice Barry on September 16, 1969, in Racine, WI.

Cornell attended school in Racine and graduated from J.I. Case High School in 1987.  He later enlisted with the Armed Forces from 1989-1993 at Fort Knox, Kentucky Army Base; he then spent 4 additional years with the Army Reserves. He worked for The Wisconsin Department of Corrections at RCI for more than 26 years and was contemplating retirement from the department to shift his focus on other avenues.  Throughout the years of employment there, he acquired a multitude of friends and acquaintances. Many of the inmates upon their release would reach out to him for guidance, mentorship, and simple "thanks".

Those who knew him well, knew his love for football and sports in general.  He was a huge Tennessee Titans Fan and was an avid stargazer and spent many nights watching the planets. He had begun to take a liking to traveling and had plans to visit many tourist areas, domestic and abroad. He enjoyed going to church and having wise conversations with people in general.

Cornell had given his life to Christ and was a firm believer. He was not ashamed to speak the gospel to anyone who would give him a moment.  If you had an opportunity to see him lately, you would have noticed his overall "newness"; he kept his bible near and enjoyed listening to gospel music.  He was no stranger to anyone he met.

In 2014, for the first time he accidentally bumped into the person he would later consider "The Apple of His Eye" and his "Southern Belle", Syble.  They were later married and were inseparable.  Together, they had created a "bucket list" of desires and had started walking the walk to accomplish those desires.

Cornell loved his family and enjoyed every opportunity he had to spend with family.  He was such a loyal son and always wanted to make sure his parents "were good".  He would never pass up an opportunity to visit with and talk with them.  He looked forward to family functions and seeing happy faces.  His children were deeply rooted in his heart, with much love.

Cornell leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Syble of Beach Park, IL; Four children:  Taja Katherine Louise of Atlanta, GA; Kamry Denise, Devin Cornell, and Keenan Malik of Racine, WI; Three step-children: Rae DeChelle (Morris), Dedra DeNae and Shannon Sheldon of Beach Park, IL. ; parents:  John & Lillie Barry of Racine, WI; Four sisters: Eunice Redmond of Lakeland FL, Bernadette Barry & Cynthia (Clifford) Barker of Racine, WI, and Vivian (Marlon) Jamison of Glendale Heights, IL; two brothers Darryl Barry and Orlando Barry of Racine, WI. He had three step-grandchildren; two play children, Tyla and Trenton; Three sisters-in-law, Jacqueline (Chester) Duncan, Marilyn Darden and Shalifia Darden; Two brothers-in-law, David Darden, & Marcus (Kasandra) Darden; and three whom he considered dear friends: Cartrie McWhorter, Rick Visor, and Marlon Jamison. He also leaves to cherish his memories a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and others, too numerous to name.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, and three brothers:  Ottois, Gregory and Horace Barry.

Cornell will be missed dearly by so many. His smile, his laughter, and his continuous drive "to get things done" will forever be remembered.

Service Details

There will be a Public Viewing on Saturday, January 8, 2022, 2:00pm – 3:30pm in the chapel of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd., Racine, Wisconsin.

Due to the current pandemic situation Cornell's family has chosen to Celebrate His Life together in a private intimate service.

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