William "Widgie" Ennis Kornegay, Sr.

ROCKY MOUNT, NC – William “Widgie” Ennis Kornegay, Sr., 73, of Rocky Mount, NC, went to heaven and was made whole on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with his loving family by his side, holding his hands. He was cherished and adored beyond imagination — a force of nature whose presence could fill any room, lift every spirit, and leave behind countless stories that will be retold for years to come.

Born on February 4, 1952, in Rocky Mount, Widgie was the beloved son of the late Robert Dumais Kornegay, Sr. and Anne Ruth Ennis Kornegay and the treasured baby brother of Judith L. Kornegay (Nick) and Robert Dumais Kornegay, Jr. (Debbie). As the youngest child, Widgie was — of course — notoriously the favorite, a title he carried with pride, a wink, and clever use to his advantage.

Widgie entered the world one‑of‑a‑kind. And from a young age, it was clear he was born different — in the best, brightest, most unforgettable ways. His childhood was filled with joyful mischief and charm that could keep any mother on her toes, hinting even then at the extraordinary man he would become. With an irrepressible zest for life, a magnetic charisma, and an unstoppable drive, Widgie drew people in and never let them go. Everyone has a Widgie story: whether it’s one of his youthful escapades, or a simple moment of humor, kindness, or generosity that made him deeply beloved by all who knew him.

As a young man, Widgie was bold, entrepreneurial, and full of energy. He never shied away from a challenge and had an uncanny ability to bring his ideas to life. After graduating from East Carolina University, that spirit led him to build Kornegay Paint & Wallpaper into a respected and successful business where his passion, integrity, and friendship earned him deep admiration in his community and profession. He later served as President of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) of NC & SC, a role that reflected his leadership and the esteem of his peers.

Widgie married Elizabeth Grace Safy (Harris), and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and resilience. Though life brought unexpected and difficult turns, their bond, friendship and support for one another remained strong to the very end.

More than anything, Widgie found his greatest reward and joy being a father and grandfather. He leaves behind his three beloved children — Laura Hearn (Bradley), Will Kornegay (Erin), and Jenny Yanni (Steven) — and six cherished grandchildren, who adored their “Widgie” beyond words: Anderson, Cutchin, Dawson, Annie, Sophie, and Sterling.  (And granddaughter Lola, due in February.)

In 1997, Widgie contracted viral encephalitis. After attempting a life-saving surgery to remove a portion of his brain, doctors could not explain how — or why — he survived. Yet survive he did, becoming a walking, talking miracle whose story of resilience and faith inspired thousands. For nearly 28 years, he lived with a traumatic brain injury, never letting it extinguish his spirit or dim his light. The same unshakable determination that once fueled his career now powered him through this unexpected chapter of life. He beat every odd, defied every prognosis, and continued to impact every person he met.

Even amid his illness, Widgie never stopped giving and inspiring others. He became a leading fundraiser for the American Heart Association and the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina. He regularly visited rest homes and the homebound, just to brighten someone’s day. He never met a stranger and never wasted an opportunity to tell someone how God had saved him, carried him, and gave his life purpose. Even on the hardest days, Widgie made it his mission to “never fuss or complain” — and he didn’t.

Widgie’s faith was foundational and deeply personal. He believed that God had made his life beautiful — not in spite of its hardships, but because of them. Through family, friends, and the grace of each extra day, Widgie walked in gratitude, courage, and joy. His relationship with the Lord shaped how he lived, and his light shined brightly through every chapter of his journey. We rejoice together knowing he is now in heaven, fully healed, and that we will be with him again.

A Celebration of Widgie’s Life will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Redeemer Church, 940 N. Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC  27804.  The family will receive friends following the service.

Widgie’s family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Widgie’s devoted caregivers over the years: You became a part of our family and allowed us to cherish him as our father, brother and friend. We give special thanks to Belinda Perry, Briana Battle and Donovan Miles who cared for Widgie before and through his final illness. We are also grateful to his church family at First United Methodist Church of Rocky Mount, who always embraced and loved him.

Widgie had a way of collecting friends throughout his life that remained with him through all the tall tales and hard days. To the countless friends who stood by him and walked this journey with him:  Thank you for your unwavering support, your shared meals, intentional visits and, yes — even submitting videos to help him fulfill his dream of appearing on Wheel of Fortune. You supported our family as we navigated the uncharted road of caring for him, and your kindness has been a blessing beyond measure.

Widgie was also preceded in death by beloved family members Agnes Safy, Deborah Slone Kornegay, Joshua Warren Munden, Robert Copeland, Renee Wallace and Roger Eugene Harris. He is survived by his siblings, children, and grandchildren, and by extended family, including Jo and Kim Teachey; Lynn Copeland; Ann Munden; Emily Munden Mountford; Laura Munden Wall; Lemuel Kornegay; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

To know Widgie was to love him. And to be loved by him was to be changed for the better. His light lives on in the memories and love he leaves behind. There are countless stories, photos, and tales of our beloved Widgie, and hearing them is an incredible gift to our family. We welcome you to share yours at: widgiefam@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a cause close to Widgie’s heart:

Brain Injury Association of North Carolina (BIANC)
3733 National Drive, Suite 115
Raleigh, NC 27612 – www.bianc.net

Home

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.