Edmund M. Cody

Ed leaves behind his soul mate and wife of 68 years, Patricia, whom he loved without reserve throughout their time together. They raised and guided nine children who blessed them with 21 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and two on the way.

Beginning after service in the Army, Ed’s career in transportation and logistics spanned forty years, in Cleveland, Chicago and Minneapolis, where he landed his dream job with General Mills Foods. In 1969, his boss and mentor sent him to Raleigh to analyze the operations at a recent acquisition. When Ed returned to Minneapolis with his report, he was asked to relocate to Raleigh and execute his plan for Jesse Jones Sausage Company.

In 1970, Ed moved his young family of ten to Raleigh and lived in the same home until his death.

Ed rarely missed any of his children’s events. He did his share of coaching, not only in athletics, but also in life lessons. He passed along handyman skills, a love for music and a sense of exploration and adventure. Ed was always ready for a new home project or experience.

In his later years, Ed was active in many civic and community organizations, including Hibernians, the Knights of Columbus, Interfaith Food Shuttle, and the Rotary Club of North Raleigh, to name a few. He found in these groups an opportunity to make other people’s lives a little better. One notable contribution was to the work done for students in Guatemala. That work survives today as the Guatemala Literacy Project.

Ed collected friends wherever he went, from CEOs to waitresses. In all he did, Ed was the first to reach out a hand with a kind word and big smile. He was an Irishman through and through, always a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a laugh on the ready.

He was exceptionally proud of his family and found the most joy in life when they were all together.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Ed’s name to St. Raphael Church or a charity of your choice. A mass to celebrate Ed’s life will be held February 11 at St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church at 5801 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609 at 11 AM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownwynneeastmillbrook.com for the CODY family.