Robert Jack Cordell
September 1, 1919 ~ March 6, 2008
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
R. Jack Cordell, of Asheville, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2008, at Mission Hospitals following a period of declining health and residence at the Laurels of Green Tree Ridge Nursing Home.
Jack Cordell was born on September 1, 1919, at the site where the Fontana Dam now stands in Graham County. Growing up in Bryson City, he helped his parents, the late Robert Henry and Lillian Sherrill Cordell, in the operation of the Cordell Hotel and other hotel dining rooms his mother managed. Jack graduated from Swain County High School where he played football and for a time following, attended UNC-Chapel Hill. He was drafted into the US Army in 1941, serving in the 82nd Airborne Division as a communications specialist. He participated in the D-Day invasion and the Battle of the Bulge during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1945.
In 1948, after a three year courtship, he married June Enloe of Whittier, NC. They lived in Bryson City until 1950 when they moved to Asheville and started their family. Jack worked in the office at Biltmore Coal and Lumber Company for sixteen years as credit manager. He later worked at Carolina Tire and Retreading as credit manager and salesman and United Family Life Insurance Company as a salesman. Following retirement, he worked part-time in the Harris Teeter grocery store deli, where many came to appreciate his smile and excellent customer service.
Jack and his family attended and were active members of Asheville Wesleyan Church where he served as a board member and an usher. Jack was also a member of the Asheville Kiwanis Club.
Surviving are his wife, June and their three children, Susan Jennings and husband David of Belmont, Terry Cordell of Asheville and Sharon Dicus and husband Paul of Asheville; four grandchildren, Allison Jennings of Myrtle Beach, Holly Jennings of Belmont, David Jennings of Belmont, Heather Poplai of Asheville and one great-grandchild, Jesse Moody of Asheville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Arnold Phillips of Asheville, James Cordell of Louisville, KY and sister, Ellen Hyams of Bryson City.
Jack will be fondly remembered for his faithful love for and service to his family and friends, his country, his church and his community. His good-natured sense of humor and willingness to help others in need will not be forgotten.
Funeral services will be 3:00 pm Sunday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home and request that memorials may be made to Asheville Wesleyan Church, 32 Richmond Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806.
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I always appreciated Uncle Jack’s sense of humor and his ever present smile. Even as a kid, he treated me with respect due a much older person and always seemed interested in what I was doing. It was always a pleasure to be with ‘Jack and June’.
Dear June, Susan, Terry, Sharon and Family,
Words really cannot express how sad I feel about Jack’s passing. My heart is filled with sympathy for your family. Although I didn’t know Jack that well, on the dozen or so occasions that I spent time in his company over the years, I did come to realize what a wonderful person he was.
You are in my thoughts and prayers, Chris
Dear June, Susan, Terry and Sharon,
I am so sad at the passing of your loving husband and father.
I remember Jack’s smile when he picked June up at work. All of us loved Jack Cordell. He was one of the of the best people I have ever met.
Sharon I will always remember you. I have met Susan and Terry but I know you best. June, I love you and if you need me you know to call.
Bob and I both are not feeling well so if we are not there forgive us.
Your friend,
Nola
Dear Terry,
I was so saddened to learn of your Dad’s passing. Please know that you and your sisters and Mom are in my thoughts and prayers.
What a handsome man! And what a fine tribute was written for his obituary!
I know this is a difficult time for all. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Wishing all the family peace and best memories, Irene
Dear Terry,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your sisters, mom and family. What a wonderful and full life your father shared with those around him and how fortunate they were to be part of his life! Please know we are thinking of you and are here for you and your family.
Pam & Mike Holcombe
Dear June,
I dom’t know if you remember me but I used to work in the same office with you at Sears and have remembered the name ever since. I am really sorry about this and want to extend my condolences to your family.
Dear Terry and June,
I’m so sorry for your loss. We’re going to miss Robert so much!! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Terry,
Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. This is truly a time of sadness, but also an opportunity to remember the joy and laughter of the past. May your memories bring comfort to you know.
Beverley
Dear June, My deepest sympathy to you
and your family. I will keep you in
my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Betty McGuinn
Dearest Aunt June, Susan, Terry, and Sharon.
I am so sorry about Uncle Jack’s passing and so sorry Daddy and I could not be with you all. It was just too much and too soon for Daddy to get through it all. I know you will understand. Uncle Jack was always important in our life, especially as I grew up. When Daddy was away, Mama always looked to Uncle Jack for help. He was always there for us. We loved him so much. I would like to share a poem with you that reminds me of Uncle Jack. Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost. You will see why. He was truly a caring and loving person to all around him.
Nothing Gold Can Stay
Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf a flower.
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf,
So Eden sank to grief.
So dawn goes down to day,
Nothing gold can stay.
Uncle Jack was truly golden. Life is so short, so hard to hang on to, sometimes. He and Mama were blessed with a lot of years, but more than that, we were blessed to have them. Looking back it seems such a short time. We want to keep these people forever and we will in all of our special memories. His life was golden in all the love and support he gave to others. I know he is with Mama and the rest of our family. I will think of him, as I do Mama, with every pink sunrise and sunset. I love you all so much.
Elaine McLean
Sharon,Paul and Heather,I just want you to know I am keeping you all in my prayers.Unfortunately,I do know what you are going through.I did not know your father,Sharon,but when I spoke with you last I could tell how special your father was to you,as I am sure you were to him.May our Heavenly Father give you peace and assurance that you will see your sweet Dad again someday.With Love,Karla Bugg
June and Family, our thoughts and ‘Prayers are with you and we are so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was A very Kind and Sincere Man. When I worked with you at Sears, June, I can always remember how much respect and kindness he always shown you and I admired this so much.. He is with Jesus now making everyone ‘Smile and he is happy with no more pain. May God Bless you and always Treasure the precious memories. We love you. Barbara and Neil Black
Terry, Pete and I want to express our sympathy to you and your family for the lose of your father. Our prayers are with you all. Jeanne
Even though it has been many years since I went to the Asheville Wesleyan Church I remember Jack and June as well as their daughter Susan. There were some sweet, wonderful Christians and friends at that church back in the late 60’s. I always felt it strange that there were two Cordell families in the church at the same time. May God bless each and every family member that is still with us. Max Cordell