In the News: The Passing of Cotton Cordell

We mentioned this last week, but it’s worth revisiting again. Carl “Cotton” Cordell passed away last week at the age of 86. Cotton was a legendary figure in the tackle world, and one of the most fascinating characters in an era of interesting tackle men and women.

I hadn’t spoken with Cotton in a couple years, but the last time we talked was very memorable. It was a Saturday afternoon and I was running behind for a meeting, and didn’t have much time. But Cotton started spinning a story about how he tried to bribe some of the Gemini astronauts to brings a few of his baits into space on one of their missions, so he could advertise Cotton Cordell as the only tackle company that was “out of this world.” I listened in rapt attention and before I knew it, two hours had passed.

Ol’ Cotton could spin a story.

He lived a long and interesting life and he will be missed.

You can read his obituary in the Advocate by clicking here and an appreciation from the great Ken Duke by clicking here. You can read my biography of Cotton in the Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture by clicking here.

— Dr. Todd