Sunrise: September 13, 1948 Sunset: October 27, 2016
Cornell Blair Archie Jr. was born to Rosemary (Williams) and Cornell Archie, Sr. in Okmulgee, OK on September 13, 1948. In 1951, the family moved to Seattle, Washington. Cornell Jr. attended Horace Mann Elementary School, Meany Junior High School and Garfield High School, until his graduation in 1966. Cornell played baseball for International Little League, the Pony League, Garfield High School and 3 Stars Baseball. He also played football for the Central Area Youth Association (CAYA) and Garfield High School. He was involved in Scouting as a part of Troop 222 and earned numerous badges.
After high school Cornell attended the University of Washington (UW) where he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in 1969. Upon completion of his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, in 1973, Cornell worked for Washington Mutual Savings Bank where he rose through the ranks as Assistant Vice President of Government and Money Market Securities in 1978 and Director of the Trust Department in 1983. Cornell also pursued his entrepreneurial interests through Fresh Start Professional Services and Maple Valley Licensing Agency, while also working as a Major Account Coordinator for Xerox Corporation, from where he retired in 2008.
Cornell enjoyed the outdoors and was handy with tools. Many of his scouting skills were utilized in his recreation and household maintenance. He was an avid fresh water fisherman, and enjoyed camping and skiing as a member of Four Seasons Northwest Ski Club.
Cornell had a fulfilling church and civic life. He was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church since his baptism in 1959 and sang with the Chapel Choir and Inspirational Chorus. Cornell also served the greater community as a Loaned Executive for United Way, a member of Pacific Northwest Bankers Association, and he supported the University of Washington Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity.
Cornell was preceded in his death by his parents. He is survived by his four children, Kimberlee, Jammison, Kendall, and Cornell III; his seven grandchildren, Elana Foster, Khalil Foster, Ajan’e, Jazmin, Janae, Jammision “JC” Jr., and Jayden; his siblings Kenneth Archie (Veronica), Linda Ingram and Michael; nieces Alayne Pickens (Craig), Mary Ingram and Rokeya; and nephews Michael Jr., Jelani, and DeAndre; and a host of cousins, friends, fraternity brothers and former co-workers.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Cornell Blair Archie, Jr. is being held at Mount Zion Baptist Church located at 1634 19th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98122 at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 5, 2016. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations are made to the University of Washington Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity in memory of Cornell B. Archie, Jr.
