UMO benefactor George Kornegay Jr. dies at 80
By Steve Herring
Published in News on November 21, 2014 1:46 PM
MOUNT OLIVE -- George R. Kornegay Jr. is being remembered this morning as a "great asset" and "friend" to not only Mount Olive, but Wayne County.
Kornegay, 80, died early this morning at Vidant Medical Center following a period of declining health.
But even as his health declined, Kornegay maintained an active role in the community and was a fierce supporter of the University of Mount Olive.
"George was a real asset to our community and supportive of the Chamber," said Julie Beck, president of the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce.
Kornegay provided not only financial support for the organization and its work, but was a "great" supporter of telling the public about what the Chamber does, Ms. Beck said.
His death is a "great loss," she said, but Ms. Beck added that she is glad that the many things Kornegay was involved in will continue thanks to his efforts.
"George was my friend and I am going to miss him," Mt. Olive Pickle Co. President Bill Bryan said. "George was always passionate about the Mount Olive region. George loves his family, the University of Mount Olive, UNC and our church."
Bryan said he has known many "fine people" in Mount Olive over the years, but that he could think of few who have contributed as much to the community.
In 2004, the Kornegay family donated $1 million to UMO. The university's arena is named in memory of his parents, George and Annie Dail Kornegay.
Kornegay's parents were born, reared and lived in Duplin County. Annie Dail Kornegay was a mother and housewife, and occasionally taught school in Sampson County. George Kornegay Sr. was a farmer.
Kornegay was a familiar sight at the basketball and baseball games at the university and was active in economic development in the county.
He was married to Barbara Kornegay, vice president for enrollment at the university and is survived by three children, Stephanie, Russ and Kevin, and a step-daughter, Katherine Sessoms.
Kornegay was also the chairman of the University of Mount Olive Foundation, an independent fundraising arm for the college.
He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he received his undergraduate and graduate degrees. His family owns and operates several businesses in and around Mount Olive, including the Sleep Inn.