Edgar Joseph “Jody” Reese, Jr.

Edgar Joseph “Jody” Reese, Jr., a devoted family man, successful business owner, and steadfast friend, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia, after a short but brave battle with brain cancer. Born on February 6, 1960, in Columbus, Georgia, Jody's 63 years were filled with love, faith, and a deep commitment to his family and community.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM, Monday, August 7, 2023 at CrossPointe Church with Rev. Kevin Calhoun and Pastor Brad Evangelista officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Private Interment will be held at Parkhill Cemetery.

Jody was the beloved husband of Jana Standard Reese and the proud father of three daughters, Brittany, Molly, and Maggie. He loved his role as a father-in-law to Jared West, Ethan Brubaker, and Carlo Valentine and was a proud Poppy to Reese West, Clark, and Jack Brubaker. Jody was the son of Shirley Bowden Reese and the late Edgar Joseph "Joie" Reese, Sr.  Son-in-law to Clark and Margaret Standard, and a caring brother to Jill (Reese) and Randy Daughtry,  Julie (Reese) and Jim Boan, Tommy, and Nancy Standard, Marcia (Standard) and Doug Slade, and Angie Standard. He also leaves behind a multitude of nieces and nephews as everyone’s favorite Uncle Jody and friends who loved him like family as Big Jod.

Jody's education at Columbus State University, where he studied Business, laid the foundation for his successful career. He owned and operated an Allstate Insurance Agency for 35 years. However, those who knew Jody, also knew his work was never his passion, his family, mainly his three girls were. In the early years of his girls' lives, Jody or “Coach Jody” could be found at Pioneer Little League or on a travel ball team coaching all three softball teams or cheering from the sidelines.

His pride in his girls only grew as they grew, serving as booster club president for not only Columbus High Softball but also Columbus High Cheerleading (‘08 State Champs). For over ten years, Jody could be found in the top corner of the bleachers under his umbrella cheering on his adopted sons at Columbus High Baseball games. As his girls became women and started their own families, Jody’s joy and support multiplied telling anyone who listened about their careers and their husbands. However, nothing compared to the joy his girls brought him when he became Poppy to three beautiful grandsons.

Those who knew Jody would describe him first as a friend with an undeniable gift of listening and storytelling making anyone who crossed his path feel welcomed and loved. His faith was an essential part of his life and served as his guiding light, providing him strength and comfort, especially through his illness.

Jody loved spending time with his family and friends, whether it was at home in his recliner watching Alabama football, Duke basketball, or the Atlanta Braves, on vacations at the beach, or his favorite cruising the Caribbean. His laughter, wisdom, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jody's life was marked by an unwavering commitment to his family, a deep faith in God, and a genuine love for people. His memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and in the community he served so faithfully. His legacy will be the closeness of his three girls,  their mom, and the families they are creating together honoring him by following in his footsteps by always putting family first.

We mourn the loss of Jody, but we also celebrate a life well-lived, a life filled with love, faith, and service. The world is a better place because of Jody. His family and friends will forever cherish the beautiful memories he gave them.

He was welcomed into heaven by his Dad, Joie Reese, and sister Jan.

In honor of Jody’s love of youth sports and inability to walk past any little league donation table without donating and telling his own stories, we are asking in lieu of flowers and gifts, consider a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of the Chattahoochee Valley.