Brett James Cornelius, age 57, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025. He passed alongside his wife, Melody Carole, and his stepdaughter, Meryl Wilson. Brett leaves behind a legacy of love for his family, his community of Nashville, Tennessee, and his colleagues in the music industry.

Brett is survived by his sons, Preston, Sam, and David Cornelius; his daughter, Clare Cornelius; his daughters-in-law, Katie and Lauren Cornelius; his stepson and stepdaughter-in-law, Lucas and Sierra Wilson; his sister, Julie Haller; his brother-in-law, Rick Haller; and his niece, Jasmine Haller. He was preceded in death by his father, Sam Cornelius; his mother, Carolyn Cornelius; and his nephew, Rye Haller.

Brett was born on June 5, 1968, in Columbia, Missouri. He graduated from Christian Heritage Academy in Oklahoma City and attended Baylor University for his undergraduate degree. After college, Brett spent two years in medical school at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. However, he elected to leave medical school to pursue his passion for music and moved to Nashville in 1992.

Over the decades, Brett was privileged to work with numerous talented songwriters and artists, including Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Kip Moore, and countless others. He received a Grammy Award for his work on “Jesus Take the Wheel,” wrote 27 number-one hit songs, and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020.

Brett was a loving father, brother, and son – and a friend to everyone he met. Whether on Music Row, the golf course, or on a boat somewhere, he was always a light to those around him. He loved going on adventures with friends and family to the Caribbean, the Colorado ski slopes, and Tim’s Ford Lake. His spontaneous spirit and larger-than-life personality brought him all across the world; to more than 40 countries and every state.

Brett had a deep and lasting impact on his family, friends, and the Nashville community. We mourn his passing, but we celebrate his life, and we know that he is made whole in the presence of his Savior. In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to honor Brett’s legacy by making donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30: 4-5

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/brett-cornelius/obituary/

Copy