Mr. Paul Edward Cordell, Jr. "Eddie" was born August 25, 1950 in Morganton, North Carolina. He was the son of the late, Paul Edward Cordell, Sr. & Pearl Causbey Cordell. Eddie passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at the Mary Breckinridge-ARH Hospital in Hyden, KY at the age of 69. He had been a resident of Hyden since 2004, having lived in North Carolina prior to moving to Hyden. He was a technician on knitting machinery in the clothing industry.
Eddie had a very distinguished military career. He was a Vietnam War Veteran having served honorably in U.S. Army. Eddie was the crew chief of the recovery team & door gunner on a UH 60 Tailboard 299 helicopter. Eddie had the responsibility of being lowered down to courageously rescue fellow troops on the battlefield. He was a characterized by his family as a "protector" of both his country and his family. He was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Morganton, N.C. Eddie was an avid fisherman & WWE Wrestling fan. Eddie's greatest joy came from spending time with family.
Eddie was preceded in death by is parents & brother-in-law, Bob Hester.
He leaves the following relatives surviving; his loving & devoted wife, Patricia Cordell of Hyden, KY., 3 beloved sons, Paul Edward Cordell III "Tripp" & his fiance', Loretta Altizer of Morganton, N.C., Clint Drovie (Scottie) of Hickory N.C. & Robert Drovie (Jennifer D.) of Newton, N.C., 1 beloved daughter, Jennifer Drovie of York, S.C., 1 brother, Gary Cordell (Joyce) of Blackburn, VA., 3 sisters, Carol Whisnant of Morganton, N.C., JoLynn Pruett of Morganton, N.C. & Sharon Hester of Morganton, N.C., 8 treasured grandchildren, Caleb Curtis Cordell, Cianna Maria Cordell, Carolina Cordell Chapman (Logan), Madison Drovie, Jordan Drovie, Avery Marshall, Peyton Drovie & Emma Drovie & 1 great granddaughter, Paisley Grace. Also a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends survive. The Dwayne Walker Funeral Home is in charge of all local arrangements.
A Celebration of Life for Mr. Paul Edward Cordell, Jr. "Eddie" will be held Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 2:00-4:00 P.M. at the Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory in Valdese, North Carolina with full military rites.
