George R. Moody

George Roland Moody, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend passed away suddenly on the 13th of June 2013, while playing golf with a dear friend. He will be remembered for his gentle presence, his kind and generous spirit, and his complete love and adoration for his wife, family, and friends.

Born in Houston on the 25th October 1943, to Florence and Dan Moody, George was a lifelong Houstonian. He attended Lanier Middle School where he met his future wife, Marsha Moore Moody. In those days, lockers and classes were assigned alphabetically. With his locker above hers and many classes together, they hit it off and their beautiful love story began. George then graduated from Lamar High School and Southern Methodist University where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. George and Marsha married in 1963 and would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this December.

George was preceded in death by his parents Florence and Dan Moody and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Muriel and Ben H. Moore. He is survived by his devoted wife Marsha; his sons, George and wife Tricia, Mike and wife Laurie, and daughter Mary Lile and husband Tom. “Paw Paw” adored the Magnificent Seven grandchildren, Douglas Aaron Moody, Julia Patrice Moody, Michael Moore Moody, Jr., Jack Austin Moody, William George Moody, Thomas James Moody, and Caroline Helena Lile. He is also survived by his brother Dan McMillan Moody, Jr. and Lynn Van Eman; brother John Steven Moody and wife Eileen; aunt, Audrey Moody Ley; brothers-in-law Ben H. Moore, Jr. and wife Diane, William C. Moore and wife Ginny, and Robert L. Moore and wife Karen. Nieces and nephews include Dan M. Moody, III and wife Kim, John S. Moody, Jr. and wife Rachel, Joe L. Moody and wife Keri, and Dan T. Moody and wife Ann, Beau Moore, Brian Moore, Melanie Moore, Mary Moore, Michael Moore, Carl Moore and wife, Phoebe, Christine Moore Jarrett and husband, Jason, Elizabeth Moore Galtney and husband, Will, Laura Moore Wheless and husband, Robert, Rebecca Moore Pletz and husband, Greg, and Robert Moore Jr. and wife, Shelley, and many more cousins, and great nieces and nephews.

George enjoyed a long and successful career in commercial real estate spanning over 50 years. He built and developed many residential and commercial projects. He especially enjoyed working with his father and brothers in the early years and, most recently, with his nephews, Dan III, John Jr., Joe, and Dan T. He was recognized as Citizen of the Year in 1985 by Houston West Chamber of Commerce and was active in numerous business and professional associations where he made many friends.

George valued the importance of giving back to the community and dedicated himself to serving others. Some of the highlights of his service include Lifetime Director of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo where he served on the Steer Auction Committee and the International Committee; he also volunteered at the Gethsemane UMC Food Pantry, and mentored elementary-aged boys through Kid’s Hope. He was a longtime active member of Memorial Drive Methodist Church before becoming an active member at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church where he served on the Building Committee and the Board of Stewards. In 2000, he went on a Walk to Emmaus and enjoyed a weekly reunion group with his fellow Emmaus members.

George enjoyed having fun and living his life to the fullest. He was gifted with the ability to live ever-present in the moment while also planning the next fun activity whether it was a volunteer interest, a home-improvement project, dinner with friends, or time with the grandchildren. George loved to cook and provide for others; he was known for planning the next meal before the current one was finished. He liked to hunt and enjoyed a recent special trip to Argentina with his sons. He was a successful vegetable gardener and recently achieved Master Gardener status. George was an active member of Tejas Vaqueros for nearly four decades, which led to many life-long friendships and highly anticipated adventures. He loved spending time in Cat Spring with Marsha and relished the moments he spent there fishing and gardening with friends and grandchildren. All who knew him will dearly miss George.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening on Monday, the 17th of June, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

The memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 18th of June, in the sanctuary of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road in Houston, where the Rev. Bill Denham, Pastor of Caring Ministries, is to officiate.

Prior to Tuesday’s service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider memorial contributions to Serenity Retreat, 3206 Shepherd Drive, Houston, TX 77018; St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 22013, Houston, TX 77227-2013; or the charity of one’s choice.