Richard D. Cody

Richard Dean Cody (Dick) passed away peacefully on August 15, 2020 after a lengthy illness. He was born to Oliver and Gladys Coatta in Grayling, Michigan on February 13, 1936 and attended Northeastern High School in Detroit, Michigan. Dick was in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958 as Platoon Leader, Special Guard and Staff Sergeant. He supervised a crew of 30 men in Tank Battalion and was heavily involved in training in tank maintenance. He was stationed in Bad Kissingen, Germany and loved to share those memories with friends and family. Dick met the love of his life, the girl next door, Ann Elizabeth (Betty) Knisely and after just a 3 month courtship they were married June 27th, 1958. They moved to Dunedin shortly after they wed and then Largo where they celebrated 51 years together when Heaven called his angel home in 2009. Dick and Betty raised four children, Nancy (Larry Church), Rick (Heidi), Kathy (Jim) and Randy (Jeanne). His pride and joy were his family and he devoted his life to working hard and supporting each of them. He was heavily involved in every sport and every activity of all his children. They enjoyed countless family camping trips, fishing, scuba diving, hunting, boating and hiking adventures together. “A Dad is someone who holds you when you cry, scolds you when you break the rules, shines with pride when you succeed, and has faith in you even when you fail…” This was Dick Cody and the love and pride he felt for his family was clearly visible to all.

Dick worked in the aluminum industry for 40 years and was well known for his knowledge and skills throughout that community. He taught his sons everything he knew about the industry and they have and are passing it down to their sons.

Dick is survived by his four children, 10 grandchildren, Greg (Hannah), David (Amanda), Danielle (Patrick), Cody, Evan, Peyton, Ryan, Jake, Cameron and Gracie and 2 great-grandchildren, Harrison and Emery. He is also survived by his sister, Helen who celebrated her 100th birthday a few months ago. Predeceased were his parents, his sister, Virginia, brother, Edward (Eddie) and brother, Ted. He was a straightforward guy and could be brutally honest at times. But he was also the man that was there for you when you really needed him and would drop everything to help at a minutes notice. He had a great sense of humor and we’ll never forget his laugh. Thanks for being our Dad. We are going to miss you.

He never looked for praises

He was never one to boast

He just went on quietly working

For the ones he loved the most.

His dreams were seldom spoken

His wants were very few

And most of the time his worries

Went unspoken too.

He was there… A firm foundation

Through all our storms of life

A sturdy hand to hold on to

In times of stress and strife.

A true friend we could turn to

When times were good or bad

One of our greatest blessings

The man that we called Dad.

Author unknown

Donations can be made in honor of Richard Cody to:

Suncoast Hospice Foundation / Empath Health

https://Suncoasthospicefoundation.org

5771 Roosevelt Blvd.

Clearwater, Fl 33760

(727)523-2441

Services will be scheduled at a later date.