William F. Cody
1952 - 2025
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William F. “Bill” Cody, Jr., 72, of Miramar Beach, Florida, formerly of Springfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on October 19, 2025, after a valiant battle with cancer.
Bill was born December 9, 1952, in Niles, Michigan, to William Frederick and Ivy (Schlarb) Cody, Sr. He married Michelle “Mickey” Jennings on October 18, 1996, at Isle of Palms, South Carolina.
Bill retired from the State of Illinois Department of Transportation after a dedicated career in public service.
Bill was kind, selfless, and funny, with the patience of a saint. He never knew a stranger and made everyone feel welcome. A lifelong St. Louis Cardinals and University of Illinois fan, he had a deep passion for baseball and golf. Over the years, Bill worked at many golf courses, where he found both joy and community among the fairways. He was especially proud of his hole-in-ones and enjoyed being part of the Regatta MGA at Regatta Bay Golf Club and the Coates and Whitford Groups at Sandestin Resort Golf Course, where his love for the game and easygoing spirit made him a favorite on and off the course.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mickey; his canine companions, Bogey and Birdie; sister Ann (Kent) Janes; and his extended Jennings family, who were so grateful to him for loving their sister and becoming such a huge part of their family: Libby, Mary, Tom (Jean), Kelly, Mike (Maureen), Katie, Matt (Amy) Jennings, Helen (Tim) Duckworth, and Ann (Jeff) Petro.
He was deeply loved by many nieces and nephews — Zachary, Matthew (Sami), and Katherine Janes; Mandi (Eric), Kate, Will (Emily), George, Jack, Rachel, and Nathan Jennings; Maggie and Maureen Duckworth; Annemarie and Constance Rathsack; Sam (Melissa) and Natalie Petro; Tori (Bob) Patton; and niece and goddaughter Jillian Petro — as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews who brought him endless joy: Austin Becker, Maddox Patton, Tommy, Elle, Beau, Avery, and Luke Jennings, and Emmett and Charlotte Petro.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jane M. Cody-Evans; twin brothers, Jack M. and John M. Cody; stepmother, Marjorie Cody; and niece, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Duckworth.
Bill was a friend of Bill W. and will be remembered as a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, in-law, friend, and golf partner. His warmth, humor, and kindness will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Memorial contributions may be made to Peaceful Family Oklahoma, an organization that brings help, hope, and healing to children impacted by addiction in their families. Donations in Bill’s honor can be made at https://peacefulfamilyok.org/donate.
A private celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.
Bill attended Resurrection Catholic Church in Miramar Beach, Florida.
Bill was born December 9, 1952, in Niles, Michigan, to William Frederick and Ivy (Schlarb) Cody, Sr. He married Michelle “Mickey” Jennings on October 18, 1996, at Isle of Palms, South Carolina.
Bill retired from the State of Illinois Department of Transportation after a dedicated career in public service.
Bill was kind, selfless, and funny, with the patience of a saint. He never knew a stranger and made everyone feel welcome. A lifelong St. Louis Cardinals and University of Illinois fan, he had a deep passion for baseball and golf. Over the years, Bill worked at many golf courses, where he found both joy and community among the fairways. He was especially proud of his hole-in-ones and enjoyed being part of the Regatta MGA at Regatta Bay Golf Club and the Coates and Whitford Groups at Sandestin Resort Golf Course, where his love for the game and easygoing spirit made him a favorite on and off the course.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mickey; his canine companions, Bogey and Birdie; sister Ann (Kent) Janes; and his extended Jennings family, who were so grateful to him for loving their sister and becoming such a huge part of their family: Libby, Mary, Tom (Jean), Kelly, Mike (Maureen), Katie, Matt (Amy) Jennings, Helen (Tim) Duckworth, and Ann (Jeff) Petro.
He was deeply loved by many nieces and nephews — Zachary, Matthew (Sami), and Katherine Janes; Mandi (Eric), Kate, Will (Emily), George, Jack, Rachel, and Nathan Jennings; Maggie and Maureen Duckworth; Annemarie and Constance Rathsack; Sam (Melissa) and Natalie Petro; Tori (Bob) Patton; and niece and goddaughter Jillian Petro — as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews who brought him endless joy: Austin Becker, Maddox Patton, Tommy, Elle, Beau, Avery, and Luke Jennings, and Emmett and Charlotte Petro.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jane M. Cody-Evans; twin brothers, Jack M. and John M. Cody; stepmother, Marjorie Cody; and niece, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Duckworth.
Bill was a friend of Bill W. and will be remembered as a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, in-law, friend, and golf partner. His warmth, humor, and kindness will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Memorial contributions may be made to Peaceful Family Oklahoma, an organization that brings help, hope, and healing to children impacted by addiction in their families. Donations in Bill’s honor can be made at https://peacefulfamilyok.org/donate.
A private celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.
Bill attended Resurrection Catholic Church in Miramar Beach, Florida.
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