Joseph Siener Coode

September 7, 1961 - January 18, 2022

Joseph Siener Coode, devoted husband, father, teacher, coach extraordinaire lost his 3.5 year fight to lung cancer on January 18, 2022. Joe was 60 years young. He was, as always, surrounded by all his family and friends who loved him dearly. Joe was born September 7, 1961 in Nashville, Tennessee to his proud parents, Jack and Mildred Sharp Coode, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 25.5 years, Christene Dean Coode; daughters Olivia Ann and Josephine Austin; siblings John (Joan Petrone) Coode, Ellen McWhirter, Pat (Joan Byrd), Mamie McKenzie, Cornelia Coode (Doug Henard), Fran (Dan) Walsh, Phillip (Kristin Terry) Coode, and Judy Coode; along with his dear Dean mother-in-law Josephine Strong Dean and in-laws Ronnie (Danny) Francescon, Stefanie (Jason) Brown, Katie (Tucker) Egbert and dozens of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law John Dean (McCabe Pub and Restaurant), his brothers-in-law Ken McWhirter and Jack McKenzie, along with his nephew Michael McKenzie. Growing up on Central Avenue was appropriate because family and faith were central to all Joe became. He was nurtured by his parents, aunts and uncles, siblings, cousins, and Nashville’s tight-knit Catholic community. He was named after Monsignors Joe and Albert Siener and attended Cathedral of the Incarnation and Overbrook grade schools. His Sharp and Coode family spent many hours together, whether at the Knights of Columbus pool, birthday and anniversary parties, ball games, family reunions, weddings, and funerals. Life revolved around church and his family home life and those deep roots shaped Joe into a man of great loyalty, commitment, and stability. His mother always referred to him as “my Joe” and Joe said his father was his best friend. The two of them challenged Phillip and close friends in the neighborhood to endless games of basketball and baseball. He stayed in touch with those friends all his life and knew he wanted to be involved with sports in as many ways as possible. Joe delighted in being an uncle. He was excited to start his own family when he married Christene on July 6, 1996, and thrilled to become a father to Olivia and Austin. Joe fully lived out his vocation as a coach. He loved going to work every day, which was a good thing since he worked 24/7 year-round. Anyone who knew Joe knew he loved all things sports! He was a coach, spectator, referee, and umpire for 35+ years and devoted endless time and effort to athletics. It would be hard to estimate how many lives Joe touched in the years he spent as part of the faculty at his alma mater Father Ryan High School. He attended Middle Tennessee State University where he was a dedicated football manager for Coach Boots Donnelly and the Blue Raiders. After graduation, Joe returned to Ryan to teach physical education, was an assistant coach for the football, basketball, baseball and softball teams, as well as the athletic trainer. He kept a meticulous locker room, making sure gear was preserved for future players (and convincing his mother to mend jerseys and socks galore). As a servant leader, no chore was beneath him and coworkers knew he would take care of all the details without being asked. His daughters followed his lead and both served as managers at Ryan. Many students remember Joe for his tireless dedication, and familiar and supportive presence for athletes. All the players who knew him and played under his guidance loved him dearly. He cared deeply for each and every athlete he supported. Joe was often hailed everywhere he would go—“Coach Coode!”—and he would always search his memory and recall their names and sports they played. He never missed anyone’s name, sport they played, jersey numbers, or any stats. He would always congratulate them on who they had become. Joe knew everyone and he had found his place – and in doing so, he helped so many others find theirs. He gathered together other teachers and coaches who believed in his vision, and together they changed our world by guiding players in reaching their potential. Ask anyone who went to Father Ryan High School about Coach Joe Coode and they will tell you that Coach believed in them – every single one. Joe loved his wife Christene. She was a coach’s wife and part of the coach’s wife club. He was there for anything and everything his daughters, Olivia and Austin, pursued. He stood by them with the utmost support and was the best father for whom his daughters could have dreamed. He spent every moment possible with them when he was not coaching a game. Joe liked to have a good time hanging out at some of his watering holes drinking a few Bud Lights, watching ballgames, and rehashing high school game plays. He liked playing pool, throwing darts, a game of shuffleboard, and listening to music. A few of his watering holes included Amber III, Texana Grill, Courtyard Café listening to Phil Vassar, Box Seat, McCabe Pub, Corner Pub, and Crow’s Nest. After the girls were born, Christene hosted those late night gatherings on their patio because they lived on the backside of Father Ryan’s campus. He played in multiple softball leagues and the Friday night West Park McCabe Pub league was one of his favorites. Tailgating after the games at Wendell Smith’s parking lot was the best memory. When his girls were school-aged, he found joy in their friends, activities, and sports. The family spent quality time going to Rock Island, Panama City Beach, and snow skiing out West. The best family memories at Rock Island include boating, tubing, surfing, throwing the ball with one another, eating, and drinking. These memories have become a mainstay the past 15 years. The family also enjoyed 4th of July boat parades, fireworks on the river, jumping off of the rock, hanging at Cotten’s Marina, and listening to music. Joe’s natural storytelling ability was well known, with a delivery that was deliberate, embellished, and perfectly timed. Everyone had a nickname and he had many. He was known as Coach Coode, Slow, Drysdale, Gasman, The General, and Milburn. Joe loved his friends and colleagues. His relationships maintained over many years and in numbers too many to mention (but you know who you are). Joe never failed to mesmerize a team he coached. He captivated students with his quiet strength and wit. He leaves a hole as big as his personality and as deep as his loyalty. Joe Coode will be missed beyond words. Heaven has gained a great man. He was a good husband, father, teacher, trainer, and coach. The legacy of Joe Coode will continue on throughout the years. He embodied a true spirit, and would do anything asked of him to make the place better. Lastly, “The Boss” was his favorite, so in the words of Bruce Springsteen: “Let’s take the good times as they go and I’ll meet you further on up the road.” Joe’s family is grateful for the care provided by his team of doctors that included Dr. John Peach, Dr. John Howington, Dr. Angelo Canonico, Dr. Kent Shih, Dr. Paul Rosenblatt, and Dr. Steve Abrams. The family is indebted to Alive Hospice home nurses Amanda Coleman and Ainsley Tillman. Thank you, physical therapist Lisa and speech therapist Bonnie at Select/ReVital Rehabilitation. Visitation with the family will be Thursday, January 27, 4-8 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Incarnation Fleming Center on West End Avenue. Rosary at 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, January 28, 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, overflow seating and video in the Fleming Center. The service will also be available to watch on livestream via the website for the Cathedral of the Incarnation. https://cathedralnashville.org/livestream/ Honorary pallbearers will be all the coaches Joe worked with during his lifetime. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in memory of Joe Coode to be made directly to Father Ryan High School, 770 Norwood Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37204 or online at www.fatherryan.org/memorials “I have fought the good fight to the End. I have run the race to the finish. I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7