Keith Anthony Codd

Keith Anthony Codd of Bluffton, SC passed away peacefully at home September 23, 2023.  He was preceded in death by parents Kenneth and Joyce (Taylor) of Louth, England and also preceded in death by stepdaughter Teresa (Bunkley) Blevins.  He is survived by his loving wife Barbara Platt Codd, stepdaughter Colette (and Wade) Wehunt, sister Shirley Tordoff and numerous nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren.

Born in Louth, county of Lincolnshire, England September 25, 1948, Keith excelled academically in math, chemistry and physics at Louth Grammar(High) School and played football (soccer) and track,  winning many shorter races and was first runner up in a 52 mile cross country race. He was a Captain of the Boys Brigade and he played guitar and sang in a band during his teen years.   He earned his BS in Mining and Mineral Sciences (honors) from Leeds University and his Masters in Oceanography from Southampton University with special interest in Coastal Sedimentation.

Keith worked in Turkey, Greece, and Alaska for Kelvin Hughes Survey, London and held other freelance positions worldwide.  After becoming a registered inshore and offshore hydrographer, he crossed the ocean and settled in Houston, Texas where he became a registered Texas land surveyor.  Working for various offshore companies, one job took him to Tybee Island, Georgia, where he met his future wife, Barbara, a Beaufort native, but at the time, a librarian from Statesboro, Georgia.  After a long distance courtship, and a trip to meet his family, they were married at the DeSoto Beach Hotel in 1986 by the Methodist Minister, Enoch Henry.   He brought to the marriage a lifelong devotion to the Wolverhampton Wanderers Soccer team and she introduced him to the Georgia Bulldawgs.  The Bulldog bite was infectious and he became an avid supporter overnight.

For 37 plus years, Keith and Barbara traveled to games, indulged their love of camping and hiking in Bend Bend National Park and various places, spent many weekends at their trailer on the beach in Galveston, Texas where Keith loved to get up at dawn, wade in the surf to catch trout and whatever else would take the bait.  His full life included attending many concerts of Americana musicians and he loved playing his guitar his entire life.  Always there were trips to England to visit his parents, sister Shirley, the nieces and nephews with plenty of side trips to historic destinations.  There is no way to tally the hours he devoted to his beloved pets through the years, especially Ollie and Tuxy, whom he leaves behind.

Keith and Barbara moved to Bluffton, SC in 2009, after losing their home in Seabrook, Texas and their Beach destination to Hurricane Ike in 2008.   Keith had his own company KC Mapping and continued a few more years before retiring.  Keith was not one to enjoy idleness, so he worked for the Census in 2010, then worked for  SC Department of Natural Resources as a field biologist in the Fisheries Department from 2013 through 2018.  He enjoyed meeting fishermen on both boats and shore and recording their catches among other fishery duties.  He loved the Lowcountry life and bicycling along the tree shaded paths.

In 2014, Keith was diagnosed with a rare cancer, Carcinoid Tumor Syndrome.  Early surgery appeared successful, but the cancer returned after one year.  He received specific specialized treatment at the Mayo clinic in Jacksonville and was treated compassionately by Dr. Negrea and staff at Low Country Cancer in Savannah.  Keith fought bravely, remained hopeful, positive and active, but finally cancer claimed him.  Keith was kind, generous, loving and fun to all who crossed his path.  He leaves a void in many hearts, but Heaven now has added a most amazing soul to live forever in God’s glory.

Graveside services at Maye River Baptist Church at 2pm Monday Oct. 2nd with a memorial visitation and reception of friends and family to follow in the church social hall.  Remembrances may be made to Maye River Baptist Church or Palmetto Animal League.