02/14/2026
A Tribute To the Life Of Macey Cordell
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Macey Cordell, who departed this life on January 28, 2026. He was born on March 19, 1939, to the late Earl and Armina Williams Cordelll.
Earl and Armina ran a boarding house in Dayton, Ohio and this set the musical career to come. Macey was exposed to a variety of music as a young child and taught himself to play the piano and organ as well as mimic the styles of Ray Charles, Sam Cooke and other famous artists at the time. He went on to form the Little Macey and the Valiants Band. His musical talents and wide-ranging voice took him to 37 states as an entertainer and made him a part of the house bands that played backup for popular recording artists of the era.
Macey married Linda Louise Mabra on June 25, 1967, and they were happily married for forty-seven years. Early in the marriage, Macey was a traveling musician with a family. Macey found the demands of traveling and entertaining began to take a toll. He needed a consistent income from a steady job, so he decided to retire from the traveling musician life.
After coming off the road, Macey found the rigors of traveling set the stage for weight gain and other health challenges. He took charge of his health and became a focused runner regardless of the elements outside. He cross trained heavily with weights and other equipment to stay fit. Macey also secured a position with Wright Patterson Airforce Base in Dayton Ohio. He worked as a Rigging Crew Leader for 27 years before retiring. He decided not to fully retire so he joined Brink’s Armory as a driver and orientation trainer in Columbus, Ohio. Macey and his family resided in Jeffersonville, Ohio.
He enjoyed spending time playing music for the golden agers in many nursing homes to light up their day. Macey wanted to be a blessing to people and played for churches in Jeffersonville, Washington Court House and Wilmington to help facilitate the worship experience. He shared the love of Jesus and wanted to brighten someone else’s day with a word of encouragement or a song.
Macey was proceeded in death by his beloved wife, Linda, son Kevin, sister Bonnie Burns, brother’s Gordon and Hubert Cordell, nephews, Gordon Cordell Jr. Troy Burns and Don Cordell. Macey is survived by his daughters Michelle Cordell, Kimberly Rickman- Wilson (Lamont) and a host of relatives, in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A graveside celebration of life will be announced later.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Morrow Funeral Home are welcomed for final expenses. All contributions and support are greatly appreciated.
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