Marcus Marion Cornelius III, 85, died Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in Jacksonville, FL.

He was born December 30, 1938, in Cedartown, GA to Marcus Marion Cornelius, II and Edna Harwell Cornelius. He and his younger brother Edward Cornelius spent their early years wandering the aisles of Marcus Senior’s local Cedartown grocery store.

Marcus graduated from Baker High School in 1957 and attended Stetson University in Deland, FL graduating from their ROTC program. He was also an active member of Stetson’s Sigma Nu fraternity. He served 2 years in the Army before entering the private sector and continuing with the Army Reserves. Marcus became a father to Marcus M. Cornelius IV in 1969 while working as a stockbroker in Tallahassee before moving to Statesboro, GA for a graduate degree and then on to Antioch School of Law in Washington DC where he earned his JD degree. He later returned to military service with the Florida National Guard as Staff Judge Advocate and retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel to pursue his career in private practice. Marcus lived in St. Augustine, FL for 38 years and practiced law at Marcus M. Cornelius, III and Associates PA.

Marcus embraced life and was known as an outgoing, loving, and gregarious personality, always planning the next party or social event with friends and neighbors. You could usually find him on Friday nights at the St. Augustine Yacht Cub where he was a member since 1984, a former officer and current Member Emeritus. If not mingling with fellow boat enthusiasts at the SAYC, you could find him at a concert or the symphony bolstered by his love of the arts and long-standing support as a member of the EMMA Concert Association in St. Augustine. Marcus was also an active member and regularly attended church at the Center for Spiritual Living.

He is predeceased by his mother, father, daughter Ayna and Eldar.

He is survived by his son Marcus M. Cornelius, IV (Cara) and grandchildren, Jacob and Callie Cornelius of Greer, SC, and Gabrielle C. Cornelius of Vologda, Russia, as well as his brother, Edward Cornelius (Eileen) of Tallahassee, FL.

A celebration of Marcus’ life will held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the EMMA Concert Association.