Howard Lindsey Cordell, Jr.

Howard Lindsey Cordell, Jr., 83, passed away on April 18, 2023, Heaven-bound.

He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Irene Hart Hurt Cordell, daughter Lenora “Nora” Cordell Almazan and son-in-law, Rolando Almazan, son Howard Lindsey Cordell III and daughter in’ law Beth Cordell, and daughter Virginia “Jennie” Collier Cordell. He joined his daughter Irene “Renie” Cordell in Heaven. He had twelve grandchildren and 8, soon to be 9 great-grandchildren: Katie Dixon (husband, Jeremy Carter) and son Alex Dixon; Bryan Dixon (wife, Alix Dixon); Jack Dixon (wife, Taylor Dixon); Collier Hatchett Collier (husband Chris Collier) and daughters Sarah Catherine and Caroline Collier; Senator Bo Hatchett (wife, Ashley Hatchett) and daughters Hallie, Hazel, Heidi, and Hope Hatchett; Ben Hatchett (wife, Haley Lyman) and son, Bo Hatchett; Hart Hatchett Almazan (husband, Titus Almazan); Will Hatchett, and Dory Hatchett; Caroline, Lindsey IV, and Allie Cordell. He also leaves behind a sister, Betty Anne Hamrick, many close cousins, and extended family.

Born June 22, 1940, to Lenora McCook Cordell and Howard Lindsey Cordell Sr., in Dublin, Georgia, Howard grew up alongside his younger sister, Betty Anne. He attended Dublin High School, where he was a member of the Dublin High School Marching Band, was elected President of his class, and was active in various clubs. Howard transferred to Georgia Military College in Milledgeville to play football for his uncle, Coach Lew Cordell, where he also played in the Military Band. While in Dublin, he was a member of the Ed Powell Dance Band starting at the age of 14, playing the saxophone. He graduated from GMC in 1958 to attend the University of Georgia.

At UGA he met his wife, Irene. The two were married in 1959. Howard was a member of Lamda Chi Alpha fraternity, he was elected to the Inter-fraternity council and to the Reed Hall Council. While at UGA he was President of the Insurance and Real Estate Society and President of the Student Council. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1962. His daughter Renie was born the same year.

He attended Mercer Law School in Macon and returned to Dublin, where he was Vice-President of Cordell Lumber Company. He was also Vice-President of a chain of theaters, including the Martin Theater of Dublin. While living in Dublin he was a member of the Rotary Club, City Council, and Pine Forest Methodist Church where he was an active member of the choir. An avid golfer, Howard was a member of the Dublin Country Club and a member of the Athens Country Club. He was a founding member of the Sea Island Club.

Howard wore many hats from husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather to business owner, realtor, musician, singer, coach of baseball, football, basketball, gardener, small cattle farmer, horseman, and managed several political campaigns for Billy Lovett and Hugh Gillis.

Howard dabbled in radio and television; recorded records; sang in a quartet and traveled singing and preaching at various churches. He spent his life serving and honoring his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Howard was a superhero, at least in the eyes of his daughter Jennie who adored him. For 45 years, Irene and Howard have taken care of Jennie, who is physically and mentally disabled. At 3:00 pm every day he took her for an ice cream. She loved to swing with him and often he would sing songs to her which she loved. Howard always made sure Jennie got an extra cookie – even against the wishes of Irene. Jennie called him “D” and there was no one in the world more special to her than him. He felt the same for her. In his final days, Jennie sat at the foot of his bed, waving at him when he opened his eyes, and always smiling when he signed to her the word “funny”.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Pine Forest Methodist Church in Dublin, 400 Woods Avenue, at 11:00 am on Friday, April 28th, followed by a Graveside Service at Dublin Memorial Gardens, 2986 US 80. In lieu of flowers, Howard requested that donations be made to the “Virginia Collier Cordell Special Needs Trust” at the First Laurens Bank of Dublin, 2040 Veterans Blvd. Dublin, GA. 31021. 

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