[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 107 (Tuesday, June 25, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S4502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING JAMES A. ``BUD'' CODY

 Mr. ISAKSON. Madam President, today, I am honored to recognize 
in the Record the life of James A. 'Bud'' Cody, who selflessly served 
Georgians for decades and recently passed away in Ocean Springs, MS.
  Bud Cody was born in Willachoochee, GA., on November 27, 1938. From 
an early age, he loved being active, finding friends, and making a 
difference. He played on the legendary Valdosta High School football 
team under his mentor, Coach Wright Bazemore. He was part of the State 
winning 4x4 track relay team.
  Bud started his career at a young age, working full time at the Boys 
Club in Valdosta, GA, at the age of 18. He attended college at night 
over the next several years while helping his wife care for their 
children.
  After graduating and establishing Boys Club facilities from Louisiana 
to Texas, Bud was hired by the Georgia Sheriffs' Association as their 
first executive director and returned home to Georgia in 1966. His 
career with the sheriffs' association also included his becoming 
director of the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes located at the Boys Ranch 
in Hahira, GA. Bud continued to serve in these roles for the next 46 
years. As executive director, he also assumed control of the Sheriffs' 
Retirement Fund of Georgia, leading the organization's assets from $9 
million in 1982 to more than $97 million to take care of Georgia's 
retired sheriffs.
  Bud retired in September 2012 with many lasting accomplishments 
thanks to his principled leadership and values. He expanded the Georgia 
Sheriffs' Youth Homes to provide a safe haven and education 
opportunities for thousands of Georgia's abused, abandoned, and 
neglected children. He also led the initiative to establish the Georgia 
Sheriffs' Youth Homes Foundation, which provides ongoing funds for its 
youth homes.
  Our public safety officers also have Bud to thank for the excellent 
training they receive to help keep them safe while protecting 
Georgians. Bud believed that every officer should receive the best 
training possible, so he helped found the Georgia Public Safety 
Training Center in Forsyth, GA, working with State leaders, criminal 
justice practitioners, and sheriffs to establish a world-class public 
safety training facility that trains more than 2,000 students daily. 
Over the course of his career, nine Georgia Governors routinely sought 
his advice and counsel.
  Bud's reach went beyond Georgia, too. He helped establish the 
National Sheriff's Association Committee of Presidents and Executive 
Directors in 1980 to ensure the office of sheriff had a professional 
code and standards.
  Bud joined his friend and business partner Claude Grizzard to form 
the company CFR. In all, they provided assistance to more than 30 
States from New York to Texas to California, raising tens of millions 
of dollars for the purpose of helping officers and youth homes 
nationwide. If you ever see a car tag from a State sheriff's 
association, this is thanks to the efforts of Bud and Claude.
  Bud was beloved by his family. He was preceded in life by his father, 
Homer Cody, mother, Mellie Cody, and daughter, Celena Cody, and 
survived by his children, James A. ``Buddy'' Cody, Jr., Derek Marchman, 
daughter-in-law Kel Marchman, Camille Hormell, son-in-law Rodger 
Hormell, and Amy Asbell. His grandchildren include Wesley Leverett, 
Sara Cody, Laura Cody, Bryan Cronan, Austin Hormell, Quaid Hormell, 
Cody Kitchens, Seth Kitchens, Sara Marchman, Jamie Cody, Maggie Cody, 
and Wyatt Asbell. Great-grandchildren include Abigail Kitchens, Maddox 
Kitchens, Lucas Kitchens, and Grayson Kitchens.
  Most fittingly, a public memorial will be held at the Public Safety 
Training Center in Forsyth, GA, on July 13 before his ashes are spread 
by his family on his beloved St. Simons Island. As we remember the life 
and work of Bud Cody, we send prayers to his family and all those whose 
lives were touched by his mission.

                          ____________________