Craig Laurence Cordell, 66, passed away quietly in his sleep at his home in Yellow Springs, Ohio on April 4, 2024. He was the youngest of seven children of Carl and Janice Cordell, with two older brothers, Carl Jr. (Polly); and Gary, and 4 older sisters, Paula (Steve), Karen, Carla, and Judy. The Cordell family has lived in the Yellow Springs area for over four generations.
Like a lot of folks who grew up in the Springs, Craig spent a good bit of his life traveling. He was a world-ranked tennis player and as a teen was a well-known competitor throughout Miami Valley. After graduating high school in 1976, he found a sponsor and left the Village to try his luck on the competitive pro circuit. Playing throughout Europe and Africa he had many life-changing experiences including witnessing the apartheid system when he played in South Africa. While in Europe during a practice match with Bjorn Borg, he got wiped all over the court, but he was thrilled to play with him anyway. The family never tired of watching the video of Craig chasing that ball return from Bjorn, grinning all the while.
Craig became a teaching pro at clubs in Spain and Germany for a few years, before deciding to return to the States. He then followed his brother Gary out west, eventually living in the Bay Area in California working as an event technologist for several years. There he met his wife Ruth, from Bogota, Columbia to whom he has been married for 20 years. Craig enjoyed fishing in his kayak and the quiet life of small-town Ohio.
Besides his wife, Ruth, Craig leaves behind a daughter, Julia Weghaus Cordell; her partner, Paulo; and two grandsons, Mio and Tilo, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Craig is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Karen.
No services are planned at this time.
Keeping all in my thoughts
So sorry
So sorry for your loss❤️
Thank you for sharing this. He was the best athlete I have personally known. I remember him playing table tennis with his racket cover on his tennis racket and winning. Tennis practice partner in 1975. Will miss Craig. We last hit together two years ago. Saw him at Sunrise cafe last year with Richie before they went fishing.
Prayers are being lifted for peace and comfort during this difficult time of loss.
Thinking of the days at mills lawn tennis court watching him play. Sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. You have my profound condolences. ❤️
My sincere condolence to the Cordell family. Craig will be remembered for his kind & gentle spirit. Even back in high school he had a quiet focused determination, but never failed to offer a smile & a nod. Though tennis was his fote’, he also carried his weight on the basketball court. Though looking back, he was probably using it to stay in shape in the off season for tennis. Rest well my friend.
My sincere condolences.
Saddened to read about the passing of Craig. Many fond memories of spending time with him and his family so many years ago. Condolences to Craig’s family and friends.
So sorry to hear of Craig’s passing. He was such a talented athlete that I watched playing tennis at Mills Lawn and Antioch College. My condolences to his family. God rest his soul.
I have so many incredible memories of Craig, an amazing athlete and person so comfortable and confident in his own skin. Really an amazing guy from an amazing family . My heart felt condolences to his loved ones.
My condolences to his family and friends
He was a lovely guy.
Looking forward to seeing all of those in Jehovahs memory return to the earthy paradise. Our most since condolences to the Cordell family.
Steven “Cordell” Brown and family..
Although I didn’t know Craig for long, I knew him as a great guy and great tennis player. This year in particular he took an interest in me and my high school tennis season. He came out almost every day at practice to hit with me and offer me advice. He was determined to make me a tennis star. I am forever grateful for him. I continue to think about him and his advice when I play. He has left a lasting impact on me. My most sincere condolences to Mr. Cordell’s family and friends.