Donald Cordell

Donald Wayne Cordell, 80, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025. Born on October 15, 1944, Don lived a life full of grit and adventure.

Don was a talented mechanic, and from a young age, he developed a love for muscle cars-especially MOPARs. He spent countless hours building and tuning up the cars he loved, then racing them at the drag strip. Don worked hard throughout his life, always taking pride in a job well done. He spent his working years as a painter, an engine builder, and a hotel maintenance technician. He was skilled in the art of "MacGyvering" and could solve many problems with materials on-hand.

A rebel at heart, Don embraced life on his own terms. In the 1970s, his restless spirit led him to hitchhike across the country, and over the years he called many places home across the southern and western United States. Despite his travels, he spent the majority of his adult life in Brevard County, Florida, where he built lasting connections and deep roots.

Don was fiercely loyal to his family and cherished time spent with grandkids, nieces and nephews, taking pride in their accomplishments. He valued his decades-long friendships and was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. Those who knew him will remember his unwavering dedication to the people he cared about.

Don's life was one lived boldly-full of horsepower, heart, and a spirit that never faded. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Hurshell and Dorothy, and by his brother Edward. He is survived by his sisters Denise and Cynthia, daughter Melissa, son-in-law Douglas, grandchildren Heather, Joshua and Jenna, great grandchildren Riley and David, nieces Amber and Jeneile, nephew Ian, and great nieces and nephews Callie, Seth, Kirby and Hugo.

A celebration of life will be held on October 11, time and location to be determined and posted on this page soon. Memorial donations may be made to COPD Foundation at https://www.copdfoundation.org/Ways-to-Give/Donate/Tribute-Giving.aspx.