George Cornett, a teacher and coach known for his dedication to students, was born Dec. 6, 1908, the son o Samuel and Rachel   Hudson Cornett. He grew up on Big Branch near Hindman.                                                  

A love for education was impressed upon George early in life; his mother was his elementary school teacher.  He was one of the first students at the first high school in Knott County, located at Pippa Passes, where he knew Alice Lloyd and June Buchanan.  He  continued his studies at Berea Normal School in Barbourville.

Mr. Cornett began teaching in 1927-28, at Montgomery.  He retired from teaching in the early 1970's, taking time out to serve in the military in 1944-45.

While he continued to live at Big Branch, Mr. Cornett taught and coached both high school and grade school basketball at Cordia for around 25 yeas.  Since Cordia had no gym, he transported his players to Hindman or Hazard for practice.  Often, rather that miss Wednesday night prayer service, he would bring his team along  to church.

Mr. Cornett was instrumental, along wit other men in he community, in starting the church at Big Branch, where he still attends.  He served over the yeas as Sunday School teacher and deacon.                         

George married Martha Louise Cox in 1933.  The couple had eight children ( three sons played basketball; four daughters were cheerleaders). Mr. Cornett is credited with being one of he founders of the county's grade school basketball competition. George and Martha Cornett still live at Big Branch. The man remembered as a fireball coach who loved his players continues to follow and promote sports for young athletes.

Corbett Mullins
May 6, 2003