Robert Arnold Cordell, 70, of Athens, died Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, at Athens Regional Medical Center.

A native of Toledo, Ohio, and formerly of Findlay, Ohio, and Tupelo, Miss., he resided in McMinn County for the last six years. A son of the late Arnold and Bertha Green Frank Cordell, he was a former disaster chairman for Lee County, Miss., American Red Cross. He was active with the Boy Scouts of America, active in the Republican Party, and had a great love for children. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, retired as a shift supervisor for Cooper Tire and Rubber Co., and was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Kay Lieb Cordell of Athens; two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert Scott and Barbara Cordell of Southbridge, Mass., and Michael and Donna Cordell of Findlay, Ohio; two daughters and sons-in-law, Leslie and Patrick Pruitt, and Amanda Cordell and Josh Harris, all of Athens; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Kenny and Paula Frank of Franklin, Ohio, and David and Kim Frank of Springfield, Ohio; one sister, Loretta Workman of Springboro, Ohio; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a beloved aunt, Stella McGrew of Athens; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 8 p.m. Thursday in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with Michael Cordell officiating. Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Sullins Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Those unable to attend may send condolences to mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com