On May 26th, at 10:58, in his home in Burbank, California, and surrounded by his family, Thomas “Tommy” F. Moody left this earth at the age of 95. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Dorothy B. Moody, his 3 children, Bonnie Rapp (David), Pamela McFarland (Stephen), and Michael D. Moody (Brenda); along with 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.
Tommy was born in Little Rock, South Carolina, the son of Robert A. Moody and Ruth Sellers Moody Bryant. Known as “Hambone” to his friends, he attended Dillon High School and, later, Presbyterian Junior College, after serving his country during World War II as a paratrooper in the Army’s 17th Airborne Division. He married Dorothy Berry in 1946, and in 1955, they relocated to Burbank, California. Tommy worked as a foreman at T.A. Manufacturing for 30 years and retired while continuing to share a business with his brother Marchant “Boots” Moody for an additional 10 years.
Tommy loved to write songs in his youth, and was an avid poet all his life. One of his poems, entitled “On Calhoun Street,” appeared in The Dillon Herald on Veteran’s Day as a tribute to all his friends who served during World War II. A patriot first and foremost, Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Mildred Strickland, and his three brothers – Harry, Marian “Babe,” and Marchant “Boots” – the former 2 serving in WWII and the latter serving during the Korean Conflict.
A visitation for Thomas will be held Sunday, June 3, 2018 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary, 23287 North Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 91321. A Funeral Service will occur Monday, June 4, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Eternal Valley Mortuary, with burial to follow.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eternalvalleymortuary.com for the Moody family.