Arthur Franklin Cordell, son of the late Bert Cordell and Sallie Bragg Cordell, passed away on July 16, 2010. He had been looking forward to the corn and tomato season, to seeing the zinnias he planted burst forth into a riot of color, all the while struggling deeply to make sense of the recent death of his wife, Helen, as he followed his lifelong belief that each dawn brings a new day.
Born in Indian, Va. on Sept.12, 1921, he was the eldest of eight siblings. The family lived in Cedar Bluff, Va. where his father worked as a coal miner. Cornbread and milk for breakfast, walking barefoot over the mountain to attend school and snow falling onto his blanket through cracks in the roof as he slept, were all part of daily life.
After high school graduation and a short stint in the mines, Arthur moved to Detroit where he secured a job and lived with relatives. Later, with thwarted dreams of becoming a fighter pilot, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Reykjavik, Iceland. During his clerical rounds at the base hospital, he met Helen Antaya, of whom he wistfully said one day, 'I thought she was the berries'. They married while in Iceland.
Returning to the states, they began family life in Massachusetts and had 12 children over the next 20 years, 6 boys and 6 girls. Committed to taking good care of his family, Arthur worked as a precision toolmaker, eventually opening Cordell Machine Corp. in Attleboro. His reputation flourished as he secured contracts with the U.S. Army, NASA, and Texas Instruments. Arthur also possessed finely honed engineering skills which he applied to prototype design. His sons worked by his side, learning from the master. Arthur's first born son, Michael, worked with him for many years and will always be remembered for his tremendous contributions to the growth and success of Cordell Machine. Every Sunday until Michael's death five years ago, he and Arthur would chat on the phone no matter where Michael was traveling in the world.
On the home front, Arthur joined his kids on the skating pond at Capron Park, or piled them in the car to go to Bliss Bros. Dairy for ice cream, and on Sunday, circled around the t.v. to watch Bonanza as he puffed on his pipe! He was supportive of Helen by delighting his kids with bacon and greasy eggs each Sunday, washing the floors on his hands and knees, never leaving a dirty dish in the sink or the cap off the toothpaste. Once, he machined an advent wreath of his own design for the dining table!
Arthur and Helen retired to the mountains of Bethel, N.C. in 1981 and with time for himself, he was soon painting landscapes in oils. Later, he joined his buddy, Hugh, who taught him woodworking. From a small jewelry box to a huge roll-top desk, Arthur used local wood to fashion beautiful furniture. He studied jewelry making at Haywood Community College, a perfect fit for Arthur's toolmaking skills and deep artistic sensibilities. Family and friends proudly wear rings of silver and gold set with gemstones. With a heart as big as his talents, he brought immense joy to those around him by freely sharing his creations.
Earnest as the day is long, hard-working, kind, and caring beyond measure, Arthur was a man who never tooted his own horn except when famously tailgating! The part in his hair straight, not a stray whisker in sight, blue eyes sparkling, he put one foot in front of the other and for 88 years, took the path less chosen. May his footprints always be visible to those who choose to follow his lead.
A memorial service will be held at 2p.m. on Saturday, July 31, at Macon Funeral Home, Franklin, N.C. with a reception afterwards.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com