Ray Cordell

On the morning of Thursday, September 05, 2019, while surrounded by his loving family, Mr. Ray Cordell, age 85, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away at Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation in Nebo.  A native of McDowell County, Ray was born on October 19, 1933. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Vina Parkins Slick; step-father, Galen Slick; his first wife, Betty Hall Cordell; and one son, Steve Cordell.

Ray enjoyed a career as a home builder and swimming pool installer in McDowell County for many years up until his retirement.  He enjoyed crappie fishing, trips to the coast to deep sea fish, and traveling to Atlanta to watch the Braves play baseball.

Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 33 years, Barbara Wise Cordell of the home; two daughters, Lynn Schuster of Kernersville, North Carolina and Robin Bradley (Keith) of Marion; three step-daughters, Libby Tate (Bo Loftis), Susan Harris and Shannon Wise (Darrin Myers), all of Marion; one step-son, Scott Wise (Penny) of Nebo; one sister, JoAnn Slick Bumgarner (John) of Marion; and one brother, Glenn Slick (Cathy) of Marion, North Carolina/Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Ray is also survived by ten grandchildren, Julie Blanchfield of Stokesdale, North Carolina, Jason Wright of Marion, Sarah Smith of Reidsville, North Carolina, Nicolas Cordell of Marion, Crystal Fortune of Marion, Nicki Bradley Payne (Tripp) of Clemmons, North Carolina, Allen Keith Bradley of Marion, Emily Bradley of Los Angeles, California, Heather Wallace (Matt) of Marion and Oakley Sparks of Marion; twelve great grandchildren; and his close friends, Gracie Ferguson and John Lewis, both of Marion.

A celebration of Ray’s life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service in Marion.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Ray’s memory are asked to consider, Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, North Carolina 28690 or by visiting www.burkehospice.org.