Earl W. Cordell

earl cordell

April 23, 1941 ~ November 16, 2021

Born in: Buncombe County, NC
Resided in: Candler, NC

Earl W. Cordell, 80, passed away Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at his home.

Earl was born April 23, 1941, in Buncombe County to the late Jack and Edith Davis Cordell. He was a graduate of Lee H. Edwards High School and was the owner and operator of Cordell’s Body Shop in Candler. Earl collected, rebuilt and showed classic cars.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Bridges Cordell; daughter, Melody Cordell Roberson (Dewayne); grandchildren, Jessica Reagan (Drew), Boone Roberson (Canaan) and Shelby Roberson; and great-grandchildren, Kinlee and Saylor Reagan and Charlee and Beau Roberson. He was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Cordell.

The family will host a Celebration of Earl Cordell’s life from 12:00 – 5:00p.m. Saturday at 2017 Smoky Park Highway, Candler. Barbecue will be served and all his friends are invited to bring their Harleys and/or old cars.

Memorials contributions may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

Services

Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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Guestbook

  1. We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying that God’s Grace will give you much comfort today and in the days ahead. God Bless you all.

  2. Mel, Linda, Jessica and family. I know Earl and Daddy are having a joyous reunion in Heaven. We have always been like family and Earl will be greatly missed by so many. I love you all and will be there if you need me.

  3. Sorry for the Loss of Earl He was a well liked Man God be with each of you .All the Smiths worked for Earl They enjoyed Working for him Prayers for Each of you

  4. I went to Hall-Fletcher and Lee Edwards High School with Earl. Wish I could have know him better. What I do remember about Earl was that he was always very kind and nice to all those that in came in contact with. Prayers go up for his family and loved ones. RIP my friend. Bill Waddell

  5. Earl was a great man, I always loved it when he came to a scene with his wrecker. He knew what he was doing that is for sure. God bless Melody and the rest of his family during this difficult time and may this man Rest In Peace. He will be missed by many.

  6. So very sorry to hear about Earl. Legend gone but never forgotten, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    • Ronnie: You and Earl were always a pleasure to work with when I was with Nationwide in Claims. Back then a hand shake meant something.

  7. I always enjoyed being around Earl, He sure knew his wrecker and how to operate it under the most difficult circumstances. He was already to help anyone that was in need. Rest in Peace my friend and God bless those you leave here behind.

  8. So very sorry to hear about Earl, he is legend in my book, gone but will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  9. Earl was a legend in Asheville. If you had a show car painted by Cordell’s it was a winner. We wont see men like him anymore. May God Bless His Family

  10. So very sorry to hear this sad news. I pray the sweet Holy Spirit of God will embrace you dear family and give you His comfort and His peace in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen

  11. What a wonderful friend Earl Cordell has been to both of us. How we enjoyed sitting around the woodstove in the shop talking and laughing. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Earl. We miss you.

  12. They didn’t get any better then Earl Cordell. I’m proud to call him my friend. He was pillar in the Candler Community. RIP my friend, until we meet again. My thoughts and prayer for his family.

  13. Linda and family, Our thoughts are with you during this time of your loss. We valued Earl as an acquaintance and neighbor, and the several times we called upon his professional services.

  14. Ruthie and I were so sorry to hear of Earl’s passing. Keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.

    Robbie & Ruthie Dempsey

  15. Dear Linda,
    May God’s comfort be with you. Our good memories go back many, many years don’t they? I’m so glad you’re celebrating Earl’s life in such a special way and one that he would like. May the good and happy memories you have of him live on in your heart and bless you with peace.
    Love Always,
    Jeanette

  16. Dear Linda & family,
    I am so sorry about Earl’s passing. You have my heartfelt sympathy as I too lost my Earl on May 5th of this year. Cherish your memories. You are in my thoughts & prayers. Please express my condolences to your family. (Call me sometime). Take care.

  17. So sorry to hear this. Always enjoyed doing business with him and talking racing. He was a Good Man and will be missed. Thoughts and Prayers to the family. God Bless

  18. I inspected many vehicles at Earl’s business over the years in the 70s, 80s and 90s when I was with Nationwide and Aetna as a Claims Adjuster. Earl was always fair with his fees and protected the vehicles from the elements. I will always remember his kind way of doing business and when a hand shake meant something. He was a vanishing breed. To his family my deepest sympathy. Gerry Huntley, 828-318-4013. gerryh1947@yahoo.com

  19. “….the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8 Read Psalm 23 for a good message.

    My brother, Jerry Eplee, and Earl were good friends for many years. They both loved car races, classic cars and old cars.

    Earl had a good business for many years with his Body Shop and Wrecker Service He knew a lot of people and
    everyone liked him.

    I want to recognize Chris, who has worked 30 years for Earl in the Body Shop. He also helped take care of Earl in his later days. Chris was such a dependable, true friend, and employee. Thanks, Chris.

    May God bless each of you so heartbroken at this most difficult time in your lives and give you His Grace, Mercy, Peace and Comfort in the months and years to come. Jerry and I send our love and blessings.

  20. Linda and Mel, I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Earl. He was a kind and true gentleman. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Michael Brown

  21. Linda and Mel, I am so sorry for your loss. Earl was a kind and true gentleman. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Michael Brown

  22. Linda and Mel I’m sorry for the lose of Earl he was so special to me
    His work ethic was unmatched and had such an impact on me in my younger years. I especially miss the years we spent together working on the race cars. Such a Hero !!!!

  23. Mel, the way you and your Mom chose to honor and remember your Dad was extraordinary and just speaks volumes as to the closeness and love y’all shared. May God hold your family close and provide comfort and peace in the days and weeks ahead.

  24. Earl was a soft-spoken, kind man. Back in the 70’s, he painted my little Datsun 240Z beautifully. A couple of days later, I was pancaked between 2 larger cars on Tunnel Rd. He picked it up carefully and completely restored it, “street spook” and all, to it’s original condition. He was blessed with a wonderful talent and a good heart. I send my sincere condolences to his loved ones.

  25. Dearest Linda-
    We are all sorry for the loss of Earl-Your friends at The Extended Garden Florist
    Maureen and Terri


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