Bristol, Va.

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: And he delighteth in his way" (KJV).

On April 23, 2023, Elmer "Noonie" Garland Cardwell, Jr., 67, went to be with his Lord and Savior while surrounded by his loving family. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Elmer Cardwell Sr. and Evelyn Heath Cardwell, brother Allen Wayne Cardwell; grandparents; Worley and Grace Cardwell and William and Annie Heath.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Betty Jo Cardwell, daughter, Christie Cardwell Hayton and husband David, son, Brian Cardwell, all of Bristol, Va, Jamie Rose of Abingdon, Va. One sister, Debra Cardwell Tuggle, Bristol, Va; Brothers Steve (Lisa) Cardwell, Abingdon, Va and Jimmy (Lori) Cardwell, Saltville, Va. Grandchildren Halie Roberts, Loren AbdelMessih and Grayson Maverick Cardwell. Great-grandson, Bradley Roberts; several nieces and nephews and his special canine companion, Rosie.

Noonie was born and raised in Saltville, Va. He graduated from R. B. Worthy High School, Class of 73. He answered the call to ministry in 1975. Noonie went wherever ministry took him. His last pastoral pulpit was First Church of God in Broadford, Va. He attended First Freewill Baptist Church in Bristol, VA with his family. He was a true man of God and a faithful servant with close to 50 years of ministry.

He retired from General Dynamics in 2019 after 37 years of employment. He loved to travel and fortunately his job required him to travel all throughout the United States and overseas as well. He had a wonderful work family that became life-long friends.

Noonie was very involved in his community. He was a lifetime member of the Saltville Rescue Squad, actively involved with the Ruritan Club and Lion's club. He served on numerous boards including the Saltville Medical Center and served as councilman for the town of Saltville.

In 2020, Noonie and Betty moved to Bristol to be closer to their kids and grandkids. Noonie has always put his family first and loved his kids and grandchildren. He once said that if he knew grandchildren was this much fun, he would have had them first. He was the pillar of his family.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted at First Freewill Baptist Church, Bristol VA at 6pm, Saturday, April 29, 2023 with Pastor David Mizelle officiating. The family will receive family and friends prior to the Celebration of Life from 4:30: until 6:00. First Freewill Baptist Church is located at 1741 Euclid Ave, Bristol, VA.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Elmer "Noonie" Garland Cardwell, Jr.