Lester Wayne Cody, age 76, passed away surrounded by his family on October 22, 2021. A native of Mountain City, Georgia, born February 1, 1945 to the late Lester Harold Cody and Mae Bledsoe. He was preceded in death by brothers, Bill and Wendell Cody.
Lester attended Rabun Gap School. He played sports and believed in the value of a good education. Lester met his wife, Alice, of 56 years and lived in Marietta, Georgia where he retired after over 30 years from Lockheed Martin in management/engineering.
Lester believed in family. He cherished his most joyous times with family and holiday celebrations. He loved receiving pictures from family members and shared them often with pride.
Lester touched many lives through his contagious spirit. He never met a stranger. He began a clogging team called the Gem City Cloggers which at times included over 80 dancers and families. They traveled all across the country, and he made a huge impact on many lives. Lester supported a scholarship program through the American Clogging Hall of Fame which helped dancers go to college and pursue their goals.
Lester is survived by his wife, Alice Cody; children, Denise Fridl and husband John of Asheville, NC and Ashley Cody of Ball Ground, Georgia. Lester is also survived by his sisters, Norma Oliver and Betty Kendall, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to American Clogging Hall of Fame Scholarship Fund at www.achf.us or the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org .
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 3:00 p.m., Damascus Church graveside 663 Damascus Rd. Blue Ridge, Ga 30513. The family will receive friends from 1:30pm to 2:30pm immediately prior to the service at Finch Cochran Funeral Home 1478 Blue Ridge Dr. Blue Ridge, Ga 30513. A dear friend of the family and pastor, Jeff Atkins, will officiate the service and pall bearers will be members of his family: Ethan Cody, Dylan Cody, Terry Hembree, Timmy Hembree, Gene Kendall, and Nick Polyulyak.
Arrangements entrusted to the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA, you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.