John Frank Moody, age 61, of Hollister, Missouri, passed away on Oct. 12, 2017, at his home by natural causes. John was born in Ft. Worth, Texas, on Feb. 29, 1956. John grew up in Covington with his parents, Frank and Martha Ann King Moody, who were part of the First Baptist Church of Covington. His father’s career as a civil servant and Southern Baptist minister presented the opportunity for John to live several places. Although he graduated from University of Maryland, he attended the University of Alabama and was an avid supporter of Nick Sabin and Roll Tide.
John served in the Army from 1977 to 1980 as a broadcast journalist, earning the Marksman Badge with the M-16 rifle. He was stationed at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, and Nagasaki, Japan.
His passions in life were his family, golfing, sailing, traveling, photography, kayaking, ATV, coffee and cigars. He knew “how to be a friend” and had many friendships that endured long spans of time. He walked the Appalachian Trail in its entirety. He loved being in the outdoors and the Smoky Mountains. John accomplished three hole-in-ones at the No. 7 hole at the Holiday Beach Golf Course in Rockport, Texas. He served on Pointe Royale Condominium Association from 2007-2009. In his last year, John officiated weddings.
His parents have preceded him in death. He is survived by his best friend and wife, Teresa Morris Moody; sister, Donna Wingfield of Covington, Georgia; brother-in-law, Greg Morris and his wife Carolyn of Arlington, Texas; and sister-in-law, Karen Knox of Arlington, Texas.
A celebration of life was held at the Grand Regal Room in Pointe Royale Golf Village, Branson, Missouri, at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19, with Ross Fulton, formerly of Branson United Methodist Church, officiating. Graveside services were at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri, at 2 p.m. the same day. Services and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks.
Teresa Morris Moody wishes to thank all the staff who cared lovingly for John at home from Oxford Home Health, Phoenix Home Health, and Integrity Home Health. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.
