Darrell Wayne Cordell

Darrell Wayne Cordell, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and master mechanic, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at Robin Johnson House in Dallas, North Carolina. Born on July 5, 1946, in Gaston County, North Carolina, Darrell lived a life marked by dedication, skill, and love for his family and community.

Darrell’s career as a master mechanic was distinguished by his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment. At Easco, he devoted over a year to developing a special set of tools, demonstrating his ingenuity and technical expertise with an engineer. Known as a master mechanic, Darrell possessed the remarkable ability to fix virtually anything. He worked also at Gurney Industries, Easco/Danaher Tool Group. Following his retirement, he continued to share his craftsmanship by creating clocks with Howard Miller Works and gifting bird feeders to friends and family, he made his loving wife a hutch; reflecting his generous spirit and passion for building.

Beyond his professional achievements, Darrell Wayne was a devoted and caring family man. He treasured his role as husband to Dale Beaty Cordell, with whom he shared 63 wonderful years together. Their union was the foundation of a loving family that included their son, Jodi Cordell, and his wife Amber; daughter, Dana Cordell; and granddaughter, Samantha Cordell. He was also a beloved brother to Michael Cordell, Sr., Blair Cordell, Barbara Pennington, Marilyn Grieves, Betty Horton and Kimberly Beaty Shoemaker. Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Monroe and Ella Mae Sherrill Cordell, and his sister, Susan Cummings.

Darrell loved his family and his beloved dog, Dolly. He was a dog whisper. He enjoyed time with his best friend, Steve Crouse, fishing, frogging, hunting and just hanging out.

A member of the Piedmont Presbyterian Church, Darrell lived his faith through his devotion to family and community. Those who knew him will remember the many wonderful things he built—not only with his hands but with his heart. Above all his accomplishments, Darrell’s proudest legacy was the love and strength of his family.

Friends and loved ones are invited to pay their respects at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation, located at 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28054. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 PM, in the Chapel with Pastor Mike Rice officiating. The pallbearers honoring Darrell’s memory will be Jason Payseur, Michael Goyette, Jeremy Goyette, Michael Cordell, Jr., David Kelly, and Eddie Fesmire. Burial will follow at Sandy Plains Baptist Church Cemetery, 5323 Union Road, Gastonia, NC

Darrell’s passing, surrounded by family and friends, leaves a profound void, yet his spirit endures in the many lives he touched through his kindness, craftsmanship, and love. Memorials may be made to Holy Angels in Belmont, NC 28012, or to honor his memory by planting a tree.

Darrell Wayne Cordell will be remembered with deep respect and affection, a man whose hands crafted more than just tools and clocks—they helped build a family and a legacy that will endure through the generations.

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com