Cornelius B. Burris, son of the late Thomas W. Burris and Mary I. Burris was born on October 8, 1948 in Rock Hill, SC.

Cornelius graduated from Emmett Scott High School and joined the United States Air Force. Having been sprayed by Agent Orange, Cornelius was released with an honorable medical discharge.

Cornelius was employed by various companies and later retired from Wicoff Coloring in Fort Mill, SC.

Cornelius was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church. He was also an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching game shows and television. He also loved fishing with friends, especially with his cousin Lorenzo.

Cornelius was preceded in death by his brothers, Hiram Burris and Thomas Burris, Jr.; sister, Sophie Peebles and brothers-in-law, Leroy Peebles, Arnold J. Jackson; his sisters-in-law, Berniece Burris, Claudette Burris and stepson, Charles P. Mills

Cornelius leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife, Karen Mills-Burris; son, Anthony Burris (Takisha); adopted daughter, Lori Mills; stepson, Robert Mills (Mitenee); two grandchildren, Gavin and Gage Burris all of Rock Hill, South Carolina. He is also survived by his brother James; his sisters Mattie Hutchinson (Fred), and Angela Miller (Michael) of Ohio, Vivian Frye (William), Doris Coleman (Ronald), Pauline Jackson (Arnold), and Carolyn Burris all of New Jersey; Delores McLamb of Delaware and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.