Cornelis David Poulus, Jr.

Cornelis D. Poulus Jr. passed away on May 28, 2024, at the age of 85 at Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County. He was the son of Cornelis Sr. and Anna Poulus born in Belmar, N.J. on May 8, 1939. He grew up in Trenton, N.J. where he graduated from Hamilton High School. He played soccer for his high school team. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy in January 1957 and used his mechanical aptitude to serve as a Boiler Technician. He was discharged as Petty Officer Third Class in April of 1960.

Corny, as he was known by family and friends, would go on to use his military training at De Laval Steam Turbine Company in Trenton, N.J. and would later open his own Speed Shop in Hightstown, N.J., to pursue his passion for working on automobiles. There were few problems he couldn’t fix that involved four wheels and he would regularly help friends and family out with troubled cars.

He moved with his family to Penney Farms, Fla., in the early 1980s and worked for Johns-Manville in Green Cove Springs, Fla. In 1987, Cornelis was hired by Shadowlawn Nursery and worked for them until his retirement in 2005.

When away from work, he could be found in the woods hunting, out on his boat fishing or cooking up some of the best BBQ on his homemade smoker grill. He could also be found in his shop fixing something that had broken around the house or rejuvenating a vehicle he could turn around and sell.

Cornelis is survived by his wife Beverly Poulus, grandchildren Bridget, Darren and Garrett Poulus, and Christopher Dyrhal, and many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00pm on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel with Chaplain Brent Beaird officiating.