Cordell Wainright

Nahunta– Cordell Wainright, 76, of Nahunta passed away Wednesday night (May 5, 2021) at Southeast Georgia Health System in Brunswick after an extended illness.

Born in Winokur, GA his parents were Lloyd and Louise Byrd Wainright. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Derrell Wainright; and a sister, Beth Wainright.

Cordell was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed fishing, working in his garden along with his buddy, Ronnie Guy and spending time with friends and family. In past years, Cordell spent many enjoyable years coaching and working with the youth of Brantley County. Cordell was elected Sheriff of Brantley County in 1972 as the youngest sheriff in Georgia at that time. He went on to serve many years in law enforcement in various capacities of which 20 years were served as Sheriff of Brantley County. As sheriff, Cordell was instrumental in implementing the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program in Brantley County.

In 2001, Cordell was honored by Rep. Jack Kingston in the Congressional Record for his 20 years of service to the state of Georgia, specifically Brantley County.

In 1992, Cordell was honored as Citizen of the Year by the Brantley County Exchange Club.

Cordell also served in the National Guard.

Cordell is survived by his son, Jeffery Wainright of Nahunta; 2 grandchildren, Alexis Wainright of Dayton, OH and Paige Wainright of Waycross; one great grandchild, Ellie Brooke Jones; 2 brothers and a sister-in-law, Ronnie & Shirley Wainright and Randy Wainright all of Nahunta; 3 sisters and brothers-in-law, Evelyn Drew and Ruth & Andy Harris all of Nahunta and Kay & Farley Lee of Folkston; the mother of his son, Darlene Wainright; also several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends; and a good friend, Earline Strickland.

Visitation will be held Sunday evening (May 9, 2021) starting at 6pm at Riverside Chapel Baptist Church , 1998 Riverside Rd Nahunta, GA.

A funeral service will be held Monday morning (May 10, 2021) at 11am at Riverside Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Wainright, Rev. Liston Wainright and Rev. Charles Florey officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Len Davis, Christopher Harris, Drew Harris, Devin Harris, Brian Lee and Paul Crews.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Brantley County Sheriff’s office and all Law Enforcement Agencies.

The family will be receiving guest at Cordell's mother residence, 4880 Riverside Rd Nahunta, GA 31553.

Arrangement is with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.