Colonel Cordell was born in Sandusky, Ohio on May 10, 1951, the son of Mollie Bailey Moore, and the late, Ellis Cordell. He was a Christian by faith. He devoted his life to the service of our country, first serving for thirty-seven years in the United States Army where he became a decorated veteran during Operation Enduring Freedom. For his gallantry he received the Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal (4th); Army Achievement Medal; Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (8th Medal); National Defense Service Medal (3rd award); Global War On Terrorism Service Medal; and the Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM). After his retirement from the armed forces he began a second career, also in service to our country as a Lead Technician for the Federal Aviation Administration. Every aspect of Colonel Cordell’s life was spent in service to others. Throughout his career he was known for his altruistic work and was given an Outstanding Volunteer Service Award during his active duty service time. Perhaps his greatest contribution to mankind was spent after his second retirement, as an advocate for American Veterans. He was a former Commander for the Heard County American Legion Post 148, and a longtime member of the Brotherhood of Tankers. One of the greatest honors of his life was when his fellow members of this organization presented him with the much revered “The Honorable Order of St. Georgia Knighthood,” Medal of Honor. His devotion to his fellow brothers in arms, and the work he generated on to better the quality of their lives will long be remembered. His academic accomplishment include an AS-Political Science , Roance State Community College; BS-Education Training and Supervision University of Tennessee; BSEE-Electrical Engineering-LaSalle University; and MBA-Military Science-Military Management-TOURO University International. There was never a lot of spare time in his life, but he did enjoy following his favorite football teams, and the NASCAR Circuit. The greatest joy in his life was coming home to his family. Whether they were around the dinner table, out on a camping trip, or attending a special function the joy he felt by being in their presence was all it took to make him happy. The love and example, he set for his wife and children will forever dwell in their hearts.
He is survived by his wife, Terry Dianne Jones Cordell of Franklin, GA.; four daughters, Veronica Cordell of Herriman, TN., Candy Barnes of Newnan, GA., Ginger Barnes- (Mark Anderson) of Franklin, , Maria Stephens (Shannon) of Huntington, TX.; three sisters, Kaye Cordell of Oakdale , TN., Dawn Fallon (Tim) of Kingston, TN., and Donna Cordell of Harriman, TN.; two brothers, Thomas Jason Cordell (Patty) of Clark Range, TN., and Gwinn Singleton of Orlando, FL.; seven grandchildren; and a host of adoring friends.