Cornell Archie Jr.

September 13, 1948 - October 27, 2016

Obituary

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 where he earned Boy of the Year in the sixth grade. He attended Meany Junior High School and Garfield High School until his graduation in 1966. Cornell was a young person, who was involved in baseball and football throughout K-12. He played baseball for International Little League, the Pony League, Garfield High School and 3 Stars Baseball. Cornell played football for the Central Area Youth Association (CAYA) and Garfield High School. He was also 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 studied business. The UW is where Cornell 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 at sites across the state. All four of his children learned how to fish from their dad. As a member of Four Seasons Northwest Ski Club, he participated in ski trips to Utah, Canada, Colorado, and other prime resorts across the country. He “tinkered” in his garage using his many tools to create or fix items around the house. One joy of his was annually arranging the Christmas lights and decorations on the exterior of the house and lawn.

In addition to his professional and family life, 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 in various roles. He was a successful Loaned Executive for United Way, who set records for raising donations and was a member of Pacific Northwest Bankers Association where a positive impact was made through financial literacy and community service. Additionally, Cornell 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 of Charlotte, NC, Jammison of Seattle, WA, Kendall, who lives in Oakland, CA and Cornell III of Seattle, WA; his seven grandchildren, Elana Foster of Charlotte, NC, Khalil Foster of Renton, WA, Ajan’e Archie of Atlanta, GA, Jazmin of San Jose, CA, Janae, Jammision “JC” Jr., and Jayden of Seattle, WA; his siblings Kenneth Archie (Veronica), Linda Ingram and Michael who all reside in Washington; nieces Alayne Pickens (Craig) of Long Beach, CA, Mary Ingram and Rokeya; and nephews Michael Jr., Jelani, and DeAndre who all reside in Seattle; 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.