Celebrating the life of
W. Donald Cogdell
December 19, 1921 - May 16, 2013
SAVANNAH - W. Donald Cogdell, Sr., 91, died Thursday, May 16, 2013, under the care of Hospice Savannah.
Mr. Cogdell was born in Inverness, AL on December 19, 1921, the son of the late Wilmer Benjamin and Minnie Belle Carmack Cogdell. He attended the University of Alabama and was a veteran of the United States Army, serving proudly during World War II. A lifelong railroad man, he worked for Central of Georgia Railroad, Savannah & Atlanta Railway and, finally, at Norfolk Southern/Central of Georgia, where he retired as Superintendent of Terminals. During that time, he was named Transportation Man of the Year. Mr. Cogdell was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he served as Treasurer as well as a co-founder and a teacher of the Spiritual Seekers Sunday School Class. Active in the community, he was a member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Savannah, a member of the Coastal Heritage Society and the Chamber of Commerce, Past Chairman of the American Red Cross, and served on the Board of the United Way. A member of the first board for the Savannah Food Bank, he secured warehouse space for that organization. During his retirement, Mr. Cogdell was responsible for contributing and procuring several pieces of railroad equipment, including rail cars and a locomotive, in addition to numerous memorabilia exhibited in the Georgia State Railroad Museum.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 71 years, Anita Torbert Cogdell; son, W. Donald Cogdell, Jr. Barbara; daughter, Shirley Kathi; four grandchildren, Wendy Coling, MD Michael Klinge, Michael Coling Melissa, Annie Cogdell and Caity Cogdell; and five great-grandchildren - Abby, Adam and Amanda Klinge in addition to William and Wyatt Coling.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 18, 2013, at Grace United Methodist Church, with visitation to be held on Friday, May 17, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Home on Hodgson Memorial Drive.
Remembrances may be made to the Salvation Army, Wesley Community Center, Savannah Second Harvest, the Rotary Foundation and Grace United Methodist Church.
Don Cogdell was a mentor and friend that I have known since 1969. I came on the job that he once held in 1988, and he helped me tremendously. Don was my 'history book' anytime I needed help.. He was one of the best railroad men I ever worked with... I am sorry that I will be out of town Friday to Monday, and will not be able to attend his funeral.. My condalances to Don's family.. Nick Gardner
- Nick Gardner, Savannah, GA
I had the pleasure of being introduced to Mr. Cogdell at a very young age as my Daddy worked for the S&A Railroad for Mr. Cogdell. Seems like his name has been mentioned in my family all my life at what a nice man he's always been. I had the pleasure of talking with Mr. Cogdell in 2009 due to a visit in an office that I work, we reminisced about his knowing my Dad and the 'good times' at the Railroad when they were 'working' the Sugar Refinery - he had such a wonderful gleam in his eyes. He was a special person and I feel honored just to have known him. God Bless and be with the family at this sad time.
- Debbie Nelson DeMott, Savannah, GA
I'm saddened today by the news I received this morning. Mr. Don Cogdell, of Savannah, GA, the best employer I've ever had the pleasure of working with has passed away. He was the epitome of a true Southern Gentleman. I've always said he was born a hundred years too late. I was transferred from Savannah to Atlanta in 1968 and to quote a line from 'Tuesdays with Morrie' 'I promised to stay in touch. I didn't. I proceeded to break that promise every day, every week and every month. What happened? Life happened'. And I'm deeply hurt that I didn't. By visiting this guestbook you can see others agree that Mr. Cogdell, I could never call him Don, was a true Gentleman.
- Kermit Rolison, Stockgridge, GA
Deepest sympathies to Mr. Cogell's family and friends. First knew him in 1976 when I worked in the Coastal Division Superintendent's office in Macon. He was a very rare 'man among men'...a Southern gentleman respected by all. The South has lost a true son. May peace be with his beautiful soul as he travels his path through eternity.
- Kathy Guido Holbrook, Williamson, GA
Mr. Cogdell was one of those special people you meet in life. Always sweet, always genuine, always gracious. An inspiration and a truely lovely man. A contagious smile and a wonderful voice and a wonderfully kind person. I will miss him. I will remember his specialness always. I feel honored to have know him. My sincere condolences to Mrs. Cogdell,Donny, Barbara, Annie, Caity and the entire family.
- Mimi Mendrala, Savannah, GA
Don Cogdell was a mentor and friend that I have known since 1969. I came on the job that he once held in 1988, and he helped me tremendously. Don was my 'history book' anytime I needed help.. He was one of the best railroad men I ever worked with... I am sorry that I will be out of town Friday to Monday, and will not be able to attend his funeral.. My condalances to Don's family.. Nick Gardner
- Nick Gardner, Savannah, GA
I had the pleasure of being introduced to Mr. Cogdell at a very young age as my Daddy worked for the S&A Railroad for Mr. Cogdell. Seems like his name has been mentioned in my family all my life at what a nice man he's always been. I had the pleasure of talking with Mr. Cogdell in 2009 due to a visit in an office that I work, we reminisced about his knowing my Dad and the 'good times' at the Railroad when they were 'working' the Sugar Refinery - he had such a wonderful gleam in his eyes. He was a special person and I feel honored just to have known him. God Bless and be with the family at this sad time.
- Debbie Nelson DeMott, Savannah, GA
I'm saddened today by the news I received this morning. Mr. Don Cogdell, of Savannah, GA, the best employer I've ever had the pleasure of working with has passed away. He was the epitome of a true Southern Gentleman. I've always said he was born a hundred years too late. I was transferred from Savannah to Atlanta in 1968 and to quote a line from 'Tuesdays with Morrie' 'I promised to stay in touch. I didn't. I proceeded to break that promise every day, every week and every month. What happened? Life happened'. And I'm deeply hurt that I didn't. By visiting this guestbook you can see others agree that Mr. Cogdell, I could never call him Don, was a true Gentleman.
- Kermit Rolison, Stockgridge, GA
Deepest sympathies to Mr. Cogell's family and friends. First knew him in 1976 when I worked in the Coastal Division Superintendent's office in Macon. He was a very rare 'man among men'...a Southern gentleman respected by all. The South has lost a true son. May peace be with his beautiful soul as he travels his path through eternity.
- Kathy Guido Holbrook, Williamson, GA
Mr. Cogdell was one of those special people you meet in life. Always sweet, always genuine, always gracious. An inspiration and a truely lovely man. A contagious smile and a wonderful voice and a wonderfully kind person. I will miss him. I will remember his specialness always. I feel honored to have know him. My sincere condolences to Mrs. Cogdell,Donny, Barbara, Annie, Caity and the entire family.
- Mimi Mendrala, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
