Paul Judson Moody

Paul Judson Moody, born June, 23rd, 1981, son of Kenneth Moody and Darla Harvey, left us to be with the Lord on October, 24th, 2023. Paul was beloved by all and is expectantly waiting to see those left behind again. He is survived by his significant other, Jen, her girls, Hailey and Hannah, his mother Darla, sister Tiffany, and brothers Nate and Phil, and many extended family members.

An Oregon native through and through, Paul was fifth generation from both sides of the family. In fact, his middle name, Judson, came from his great-great-grandfather who homesteaded in Parkdale, Oregon. Paul was very proud of his Oregon roots as well as his Scottish roots. (Moody is a Scottish name.) Paul was a big strong man standing six feet seven inches, the tallest recorded in the family. We believe this comes from his grandfathers who were both tall for their era. He would always say, “My grandpa Moody was 6’ 3” and born in 1916.”

Paul was incredibly smart, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He had an admirable work ethic which allowed him to accomplish many achievements despite the difficult circumstances he faced. His biggest achievement isn’t academic or financial; it is the impact he had on the people in his life. He loved Hailey, Hannah and his nieces and nephews. He supported them unconditionally and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He treated his friends like they were family and his family like nothing was more valuable. He lived for others to know how important they were to him.

From Jen: In 2011 my daughters, Hailey and Hannah, and I met the man I had been waiting for my whole life, Paul Moody. Paul was strong, smart, handsome, loving, giving, and willing to walk with us into the future. He changed our lives forever by being in our lives. Paul showed everyone what it meant to be there for someone and for 12 years he was there for us and for so many friends and family, unconditionally. Paul was also the best debater and the best person to give advice with all the love and knowledge he had. He was our best friend. In 2020, we added another member to our family - a black fluffy ball of fur named Jax. Paul loved Jax like any other member of the family. We miss Paul deeply and our lives will now be forever changed without Paul with us.

From Phil: Paul was an amazing man and brother. The family bond between brothers was unwavering. I assumed this was normal, but the more people I meet, I realize it is not. Not having Paul in my life is something I will never become accustomed to. I will miss him always. There is a hole inside me that will never be filled. He was my baby brother, my friend, and a pillar to my foundation of strength needed to navigate this world.

From Tiffany: Paul was more than just a big brother; he was one of the best people I have ever known. He was always there to listen, talk, and be the calm in the storm when I needed it most. He always showed up for us and made time no matter where or when it was. I miss him so much already. This world will be a lot less bright, and there will always be a huge hole left in my heart without him.

From Mom: Paul was very protective and loving of his mother and made sure that everyone around him felt cared about and was an important part of his life.

From Nate: Paul was who I played cowboys with and pretended the notch in the cherry tree was our saddle. When things got hard, he was the one Phil and I tried to protect. We went to college together and even shared a few engineering classes. We worked as hod carriers on the same crew, and later we worked together at Garmin. I am so vey proud of the man he always was. He was a brother in every sense of the word and I love him completely. The impact of his love on my life is profound and cannot be measured. Until I see that handsome smiling face again, I will attempt to honor him and his legacy.

Please join us in celebrating Paul’s life this Saturday, November 4th, at 1:00 PM at Salem Heights Church (375 Madrona Ave S, Salem, OR 97302) with dessert and coffee to follow.