Jesse Lewis

Coody

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IN LOVING MEMORY

Jesse Lewis Coody

Apr 07 1968 - Mar 28 2014

Jesse Lewis Coody of Richardson, Texas went to his heavenly home on March 28, 2014 at the age of 45. He was born April 7, 1968 to Jim L. and Martha Jean (Bennett) Coody; into a long lineage of cattle ranchers in Alamagordo, New Mexico. His parents moved the family to Murphy, Texas in 1977 where he went on to graduate from Plano East Senior High School in 1986. 

During his years at East, he excelled in athletics. He was a star running back on the football team and competed in bodybuilding and power lifting. He was most proud of being a part of the first Panther football team to beat their arch rivals the Plano Wildcats. 

Following graduation Jesse went on to attend Texas Tech University where he continued to be involved in power lifting, ranking 5th in the nation. His dedication to body building also earned him the title of Mr. Texas Tech in 1988. Even after his competition days were over, Jesse continued to work out 5 days a week rarely missing a day at the gym. 

While training and working at the recreational center at Texas Tech, he met a co-worker, Lisa Hale, whom he fell in love and married on May 13, 1989 in Lubbock, Texas. Lisa admits she was originally attracted to “all those muscles” but, what truly won her over was his tender heart. Jesse often wrote Lisa poems and love letters to express his love for her which will be forever cherished. Lisa describes Jesse as a presence, her best friend, and safe place. They were married just shy of 25 years. 

After marrying, the couple moved to Jesse’s home town of Murphy where he finished his education. He graduated from The University of Texas at Dallas in 1991 with a Degree in Business. He went on to work for GEICO Insurance where he spent the next 20+years. As a dedicated Manager, Jesse was known at GEICO for his team building skills. He often motivated his team with crazy antics and rewards. After reaching one said goal, his team all took part in shaving his head. Another reward forced him to dress as a woman for the day, pantyhose and all. Beyond monetary rewards, Jesse strived to create lifelong memories.  

With his career well under way, Jesse and Lisa decided to start a family. Their daughter Paige Grace was born in 1994 and their lives were forever changed. A son, Jace Lee Samuel followed in 1998. With both kids busy in soccer and football, Jesse never failed to miss a game. His children knew he would always be in the stands cheering them on. He was their #1 fan. He also coached his son’s football team for many years. 

His children describe him as a selfless, supportive and wise father. They will most miss his infectious laugh and the knowledge of all things big or small that he so graciously shared with them. They will remember his complete devotion to them and they are thankful he raised them to be strong, independent individuals. He taught them to always strive to do their best and finish what they started. That being said, he also often said to them, “Never be too proud to ask for help when you need it”.  

Jesse cherished his friends and family and was typically found in the midst of helping others. If you were close to Jesse you knew he was always running late, but he was never late to run to the aid of a friend. Whether it be fixing a friend’s fence or working cattle on his parent’s ranch, he loved to give his time and gifts to others. 

He was a unique person who loved cars, Rock & Roll, and chocolate milk and was one of the few guys who could truly pull off a fanny pack. He was a list maker and had “to do” lists everywhere. He had lists at work, home, and on his phone.   Above all, he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and walked daily in his word. On his latest “list” on his phone, a bible verse prominently held the number 1 spot. It was 1 Corinthians 13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”  

Jesse is survived by his wife, Lisa Coody of Richardson, Texas; children, Paige Coody and Jace Coody; parents, Jim and Martha Coody of Barry, Texas; sister, Kathy Peek and husband Steve of Barry, Texas; twin brother, David Coody and wife Christena of Waco, Texas; nieces and nephews, Susie McAdams, Britton Hale, Doss Coody and Stephanie Lindsey; and a host of other loving family and friends. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at Richardson East Church of Christ,1504 E. Campbell Road, Richardson TX 75081. Interment is to follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen, Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Tuesday evening from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following:1) Central Dallas Ministries at www.centraldallasministries.org  2) A College Fund has been set up for the children by friends of the family. Donations can be made to: Jesse Coody Memorial Fund,The American National Bank of Texas,1101 E. Plano Parkway Ste. E.,Plano, TX 75074.

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