NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — George Sterling Coody, 97, of North Adams died Friday, November 18, 2016, at North Adams Commons.

He was born on June 24, 1919, in Inverness, Scotland, the son of Lucius and Catherine (Stuart) Coody.  At a young age, the family moved to Port St. Joe, Fla., and later moved to North Adams.

A Navy veteran of World War II, he served aboard the USS Radford, seeing action in the first and second battles of Kulagulf in the Gilbert Islands. He also saw action in the slot off New Georgia Island, picking up survivors of the USS A Helena.

He is survived by eight children, including sons William, Edward and Michael Coody and daughters Phyllis Gaule, Marilyn Mahar, Janine Zoito, Carol Burdick and Martha Pratt; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased in death by his wife, Jewel Covington; his three sisters, Clarice Dustin, Mary LaFlamme and Arlene Estes; and two brothers, Lucius and Stuart Coody.

George was a life member of the VFW Post #10069 of Port St. Joe, Fla.

Funeral notice: There are no calling hours and burial will be at the convenience of the family. No donations please; just tell someone you love them.