John Arvil Corder

Mr. John Arvil Corder, age 97, of Elkin passed away Monday, January 25, 2021 at Pruitt Health. Mr. Corder was born July 16, 1923 in Surry County to Gilmer and Jocie Phillips Corder.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, the love of his life and mother of his children, Lola Stanley Corder; great-grandson, Michael Alexander Chappell; brothers, Gurnie Wilson Corder, Kermit Corder, Paul Corder; and sister, Grace Corder Lyons.

The ones left behind to cherish his memories are his son, Bill Corder and wife Lisa; daughters, Wanda Corder Molina and husband Dan and Deborah Corder Garris who has been his caregiver; and sister, Betty Corder Wood. Four grandchildren, Randy Chappell, John Chappell and wife Rebecca, Greg Brewer and wife Amanda; Lavonna Chilton and husband Andrew; and step-granddaughter, Sylvia Riley and husband Jamie. Nine great-grandchildren, Matthew Chappell, Zachary Chappell, Emma Chappell,  Olivia Chappell, JD Chappell, Carys Brewer, Canaan Brewer, Corder Reese Chilton, Benson Chilton, and one great-great granddaughter, Kirstin Chappell.

John joined the Elkin Police Department in 1950, working his way up to Chief of Police in 1972. As a police officer he made many friends that have lasted a lifetime. He was respected by everyone because he showed respect to everyone he came into contact with. Daddy’s whole life revolved around his career on the police force. He was very proud of his service. He had one special friend that came to see him every Sunday, Bill Walker who worked on the police force with him. Bill came every Sunday until March 24 ^th when visitation stopped because of Covid-19.

The longest seven months of my life and for Daddy also was when visitation came to a halt. I was with him every day until then. I was told on October 3 ^rd that I could go see him for two hours a day for two days a week. When I walked in he didn’t recognize me because of all the PPE I had on, but when he did, with outstretched arms he wouldn’t let me go. Then it happened again, Covid cases began to rise and I stopped going. On January 2, 2021 he got covid and started to decline.

Daddy loved fishing; working in his vegetable garden; and growing beautiful flowers in his yard. He loved watching Nascar especially his favorite driver of all time, Jeff Gordon.

Daddy has finally finished the race he has been running. Time after time he said he would love to go to sleep and wake up in heaven with my mother.

A graveside service will be conducted Friday, January 29, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. John Attaway and Rev. Dylan Cook officiating. Mr. Corder will lie-in-state Thursday from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Elkin Funeral Service.

The family would like to thank Mr. Corder’s nurse, Marina, for the love and care she expressed for him.