At 4:30 A.M. on May 20, 2023 William Isham (Bill) Cordell, Jr. of Panama City Beach, Florida, formerly of Hartwell, took the hand of Jesus and went to his heavenly home. Bill was born on October 27, 1947 in Anderson, S.C. and was preceded in death by his parents William Isham (Brick) Cordell, Sr. and Geneva Adams Cordell.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Martha Cordell, step daughters Gayle Branson and Andrea Mucelli, step grandchildren Zachary and Camryn Branson and Seth Mucelli, all of whom he loved dearly. Also surviving were siblings Janet Cordell Moorhead (Dan), Robert (Bob) Wingo Cordell (Sherry) and Joe Thomas (Tommy) Cordell (Darlene) and one uncle, Tom Wade Cordell (Polly) along with many nieces and nephews.

Bill was a 1965 graduate of Hart County High School and being a true Georgia Bulldog fan graduated from UGA in 1969 majoring in journalism. He worked as a financial planner for more than 30 years and considered his clients extended family.

Bill will be remembered by his large network of friends and colleagues as a generous, charismatic, family man and grandfather who was also dedicated to his community. His passion for the pursuit of life's joys was fueled by his gratitude for surviving Type 1 diabetes for 63 years. Some of his favorite activities included sailing, photography, motorcycle touring and world travel. For his 60th birthday, in fact, he and his beloved wife, Martha, even jumped from an airplane. Bill began his love for broadcasting as a teenage radio deejay at WKLY in Hartwell in 1964 culminating as a volunteer deejay further sharing his love in retirement for Rock n Roll at WKGC radio in Panama City.

Based on his wishes, Bill's remains were cremated. A memorial service celebrating the life of Bill Cordell will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Cedar Creek Baptist Church where he maintained his membership. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 723, Merrifield, VA 22116.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is in charge of local arrangements.