Philip Gerald Cody, Sr. of Cornelia went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, after 78 full years of life. By those who knew him best, he was called Phil, Papa and, more often than not, Cody.

He was born in Clarkesville, Georgia on May 30, 1938, to the late Claude and Mary Bond Cody. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a brother, C.W. Cody.

Philip is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Bonnie Westbrook Cody. He is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Gerald and Britt Cody of Clarkesville; granddaughter and her husband, Morgan and Trey Wood of Gainesville; granddaughter, Sarah Beth Cody of Atlanta; great-grandchildren, Warren Phillip Wood, Davis Terrell Wood and soon-to-arrive Nora Elizabeth Wood; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Brenda Cody of Statham; sister, Joan Hill of Clarkesville; sister-in-law, Ann Cody of Mt. Airy; nephew, Scott Cody of Glencoe, Al.; and niece, Pam Cody of Atlanta.

Philip was the founder and owner of Cody Mechanical Company, which he operated for over 16 years. Later Philip and Bonnie founded and owned Tri Star Solutions, Inc., which has now been in business for 21 years. Business associates found him to be a man of his word, often resorting to a handshake or a verbal agreement; they knew nothing more was needed.

One of his greatest joys was giving of himself and helping others. Philip touched many lives with his generous heart and kind words. Despite battling cancer for the last 29 months, his kind, compassionate and encouraging nature never changed. Many at the clinic where he took his cancer treatments have reminisced about the fact that they always felt encouraged after they had a chance to visit with him. Family was very important to Philip and he always made family time fun.

Our family deeply loved him and will remember him as compassionate and generous. We covet your prayers as we learn to live without this man we loved.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 pm Sunday, September 25, 2016 at Cornelia Christian Church with David Terrell and Mac Hill officiating. Interment will follow in Hazel Creek Baptist Church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 pm on Saturday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cornelia Christian Church Building Fund, 1244 441 By-pass, Cornelia, GA 30531.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.