Russell Dean Cody

Russell Dean Cody, aged 65, died Thursday, May 31, at his home. Born in Claremore, Okla., he was predeceased by his parents, Rev. Charles and Virginia Russell Cody. He is survived by two sisters, Carolyn Cody Stewart of Los Alamos, N.M., and Debra Cody Yates of Albuquerque, N.M., and one daughter, Caroline Cody, of Memphis, whom he lovingly called "the Minnow." He is also survived by one nephew, Dru Stewart, nieces Jennifer Stewart Thoreson, Claire Yates, six great nephews and a niece. Russell graduated from Russellville High School where he was an all-around athlete and acclaimed football star. A business graduate of the University of Arkansas, Cody was a Razorback football player on some of the greatest teams in school history. As a running back, he held the sophomore rushing record for many years, and averaged almost five yards per carry and more than 12 yards per catch on the 1968-69 teams. He was known as a tenacious runner, very hard to bring down, and was never afraid of a fight. He was also a member of the Southwest Conference Championship Razorback track team. Russell was proud to be a descendant of Buffalo Bill Cody, and like his predecessor, was a man of action and courage. He loved to travel in the American West. He had a successful career in steel and metal sales, because he liked people and people liked him. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, June 4, under the direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Greenbrier.