Benjamin C. Cody [1954 -2011]

Benjamin Carroll "Ben" Cody, 57, of Palatka passed away peacefully at his home following a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011.

A native of Palatka, Ben was born on Jan. 15, 1954 to parents, J. B. and Zelda Cody. He was a 1972 graduate of the Palatka South High School. He was formerly employed by Winn Dixie in Palatka and Beck Chrysler where he was a salesperson. Ben had also worked in quality management in graphic arts, working with L.P. Thebault Co. and the Braceland Co. in Philadelphia, Pa., as a quality assurance director. He returned to Palatka in 2004, coming from Philadelphia, where he had been in the jewelry and coin business. Ben's passions were chess and music. He was the founder and past president of the Palatka Chess Club and had been a member of the board of directors for the Florida Chess Association. He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Palatka.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James B. "J. B." and Zelda Reece Cody and a brother, Jim Cody.

Left to cherish Ben's memory are his sister, Edith Cody Hughes of Lakeland; two nephews and spouses, Keith and Nancy Hughes of Denver, Colo., and David and Jennifer Cody of Atlanta, Ga.; two nieces and spouses, Kris and Seth Mela of Lakeland and Denise and David Tucker of Hopkinsville, Ky.; seven grandnieces and nephews; an aunt, Betty Robinson of Canton, N.C.; a sister-in-law, Margaret Cody of Mauldin, S.C.; several cousins and many wonderful friends.

The family would like to thank Harry Bollinger, Sally Salyers, the Winn-Dixie family and especially the caregivers from Hospice of the Nature Coast for the excellent care of Ben.

A celebration of life will be held graveside at 11 a.m. Thursday (today), Sept. 29 at the Palatka Memorial Gardens with Chaplain Dennis Childers officiating, assisted by Len Morrell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts, in Ben's honor, may be sent to Hospice of the Nature Coast, 6721 Crill Ave., Palatka, FL 32177 or Masters Funeral Home, 3015 Crill Ave., Palatka, FL  32177. Messages of sympathy may be sent to [email protected].

Masters Funeral Home of Palatka is in charge of arrangements.

This obituary was collected by Harvey Lerman of Florida.

Benjamin C Cody may you rest in peace.