St. George, Utah - Nyles Ray Cornia, 88, passed away on October 11, 2011 in St. George, Utah. He was born December 29, 1923 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Peter Ray and Ethel Hyde Cornia. He married Peggy Oblad on December 2, 1942. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Peggy later passed. In October of 1998, Nyles married June Simpson. June passed this last July. Nyles was a graduate of West High School class of 1941, he retired as a Salt Lake Firefighter extraordinair and contractor. Nyles served in the United States Army during World War II. Nyles was an outstanding athlete and was fiercely competitive. He attended the N.Y. Yankee scout school while still in high school. He suffered a career ending football injury to his pitching arm. He played semi-pro fast pitch softball with a team that took second in the Nationals. He won a state doubles handball championship with the famed Bob Apple. Nyles was a devout member of the LDS church and a follower of Christ. Nyles is survived by his son, Denny Cornia; daughter, Ada Gay Russey; stepson, Doug Cornia; 13 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Christine Cameron Rushton Lane and a grandson, Lenny Ray Cornia. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the LDS Morningside 7th Ward Chapel located at 881 South River Road, St. George, Utah. No flowers please. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.