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James Moody Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Moody
Sponsored by Alumni & Friends of the Summerville High School Marching Band.
Lee Locklair, Jr.
September 16, 2015
I knew Gus most of my life. I almost played trumpet for him in the 6th grade, but decided on football instead. Later in life we played and enjoyed golf together. He always had a smile and a kind word for me. One of the nicest men I have ever known. I will always think of him fondly. I will always cherish our friendship. LL
Janine Maney
April 19, 2015
My deepest sympathies to all family and friends. Mr. Moody was a fantastic role model. He invested in each band student, as though the success of all depended upon the excellence of each one. I am grateful for his life lessons. How blessed I am to have known him.
April 15, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to your family in the passing of Gus. He was fine musician and true Southern gentleman. He was a mentor to many band directors in the state. We were blessed to call him "friend". He will be missed.
Mark and Dale Fischer, Spartanburg, SC
Calvin Grant
April 15, 2015
I was very sad to hear of Mr Moody's passing. I became a better musician having had the privilege of being a part of his band for a short period of time back in 1983. I met Mr Moody while I was drum major for the Camden High School Scarlet Regiment. He was so well respected among students across the entire state of South Carolina. We had a saying that we used when someone was out of line or misbehaving in anyway, we'd say "stop in the name of Gus Moody". It worked every time. Jan and Julie your father touched so many and was admired by even more. You must be so proud. God bless you and your family and please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and that your father lives on through the countless lives he touched and inspired. Calvin Grant
Susan Griffin
April 14, 2015
I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Moody's passing. I am so grateful to have had the privilege of being a part of his band. He made it an amazing experience and those memories will be with me forever.
Belinda Love
April 14, 2015
I remember many Summers practicing our marching routines, and the excitement in the bandroom before our performances. Were our shoes white, and not dull_and our brass buckles polished-did we pass Mr Moody's inspection? When we marched, were our lines straight both across & diagonally. Pick up our knees. Those are the good memories that I have of MrMoody. Class of 1974.
Daniel Selander
April 14, 2015
Mr. Moody was the epitome of a southern gentleman and educator. I was fortunate enough to have been in the band under his direction. As has been stated by many, he taught young men how to be gentlemen and young ladies how to be women. He was one of two people to write me a recommendation to attend The Citadel, as I knew his recommendation meant a lot to the school and to me. He always remembered me when I saw him around town ( golf course ), and asked how my parents were doing. The best teacher I ever had! My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Faye Reeves
April 14, 2015
I feel humbled and blessed to have known "Gus". He was ever so generous and kind. I am thankful that he & Grace shared their daughter, Jan, with us and through that union, we have two awesome grandchildren, Grace & James. We will miss him at the family gatherings and the many stories, he shared with us. God's peace to the family.
April 14, 2015
I also didn't personally know Mr. Moody. But as a 2014 State Champion for Summerville High School. I say we owe him our legacy.
Linda Burris
April 14, 2015
Mrs. Moody I am so very sorry to hear of your loss,what a kind man towards the children he always reached Thanks for letting my daughter and I come by a few summers ago just so she could be Mr. Moody again. My deepest sympathy
Vicki (Lee)Davis
April 13, 2015
I didn't personally know Mr. Gus, but a lot of my friends who were in the SHS Marching Band (1982-1983)spoke very highly of him. And to see his performance of directing the band was a fond memory I will keep with me forever. Because of him, we(SHS)had the best band ever that made them a legend. My thoughts and prayers to your family. He will be greatly missed.
Jeff Buelman
April 13, 2015
Mr. Moody was one of the best things that happened to me. He taught me and my cohorts much more than how to play an instrument. I use these life lessons that I learned from him to this day. He was a most thoughtful human being! Heaven gained a great soul!
Wray McDaniel
April 13, 2015
There are only a few names that will forever echo thru the halls of summerville high school and Gus Moody is one of the few. The man, The myth, The legend you will be missed by so many. Go rest high on that mountain for your work on earth is done.
Jean Sweat
April 13, 2015
II can say that all of Summerville is sad today. Mr Moody was a fine man. He had a wonderful personality and everyone loved him! I know there is a angel playing the Sax in heaven tonight!
Tim Oswald
April 13, 2015
Such an inspiration to so very many. An honor to have known him. God bless.
Paul Negri
April 13, 2015
I feel privileged to have had Mr. Moody be such an important part of instilling added discipline and character in my oldest daughter (I wish he had stayed when my second daughter joined the band). I can't tell you how proud Susan and I were the first time we, as band boosters, experienced our first band competition. He will be missed by many but will live on in the lives of thousands who were influenced by him.
Jerry Rogers
April 13, 2015
I will surely miss his smile and his great - uplifting stories. I always felt better for at least a week after visiting with him.
sharon Brown/Davis
April 13, 2015
Memories of Mr. Moody are so good. I was his drum majorette in 1964-1967 and always sat on the bus with him to go over the plans for that performance. He was my mentor and showed me the meaning of discipline without love and understanding. He got respect from his band members and majorettes. Later on,I'd see him on the golf course (Miler) where he always had a smile and nice things to say to take you back to "those days". I will miss him. Prayers to his family members.
Donny Wilder
April 13, 2015
Gus and I were fast friends at Furman. Among my favorite memories of our days at Furman are Gus' impromptu saxophone solo concerts at night in the campus chapel. Gus and his sax always drew a big crowd and I've never heard better.
Lois and Herb Orwig
April 13, 2015
Precious memories of a "dear friend" fill our hearts. Not many pass our way in a lifetime Lois and I join a long list of those who honor him. Traffic in Summerville will be a throng of those who will join the procession to his graveside. Too bad that distance and poor health prevent us from being there.Gus will be fondly missed. May God's grace comfort th families of Jan and Julie in this time of grieving
Jay Wynn
April 13, 2015
As one of his students from the 1980's, I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Moody. He was tough - and by being tough, he was great. The profound, positive influence that he had on hundreds (thousands) of students has undoubtedly made the world a better place. He will be missed.
Lynn (Negri) Roldan
April 13, 2015
As a former student of his, Mr. Moody taught us so much more than musicianship. He taught us character. "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Truer words were never spoken, and his impression on my life, still to this day, is tremendous. Thank you for all you taught us. Oh, and even if I try on a clean pair of socks and take them immediately off, they still go in the dirty laundry! RIP, Sir.
Ruth Ann Blind
April 13, 2015
A wonderful musician and teacher, a great friend, and most importantly a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and his many friends and students. I am thankful for his legacy to SC in general and the music community specifically. With a heavy heart from a fellow Allendalian....
Todd and Anita Owen
April 13, 2015
Todd and I send our deepest sympathies to the entire Moody family. I shall remember Gus very fondly, and miss his visits to the office.
Stewart Kidd
April 13, 2015
Mr. Moody taught me a great deal about being a band director and, although I have long since changed careers, I remain appreciative for the head start he gave me in that profession. I am also grateful to Mr. Moody for introducing me to many fine people within his circle of influence (such as Jim Crump, Russell Scott, Dickey and Bill Dingle) who all provided a very positive impact on me when I was a young adult. Most importantly (and I am certain that Mr. Moody would agree), although he taught music very well, his primary concern was always to teach character. Therefore, I will always consider it a privilege to have worked with Mr. Moody, his assistants, Russell and Jim, and the myriad of fine students (always the focus of our efforts) that naturally gravitated to him. By the way, almost thirty years later, my watch, as I am sure many others, is till set to Moody Time - five minutes ahead.
Stewart Kidd
April 13, 2015
Mr. Moody taught me a great deal about being a band director and, as one of his former assistants, I will always appreciate how he graciously provided me with a head start in that profession. In addition, I am grateful to him for introducing me to other people who also had a positive impact on my life such as Jim Crump, Russell Scott, Dickey and Bill Dingle, and many other fine people that were part of Mr. Moody's circle of influence. Most importantly, (and I think that Mr. Moody would agree) although he taught music very well, his primary concern was always teaching character and that is how he should be best remembered by his students. It was a privilege to work with Mr. Moody, his other assistants, Russell and Jim as mentioned above, and the myriad of fine students that naturally gravitated to him.
Paul and Donna Bolen
April 13, 2015
We grieve here, but rejoice in Heaven.
M Bing
April 13, 2015
Mr Moody was a gentleman. Certainly a gifted teacher. He routinely taught large groups of children how to work together, achieve goals, complete a task and compete with other talented people. Grateful to have known him.
Allen Barbee
April 12, 2015
He was a big influence on my life and one of the reasons I teach band today. He certainly brought class to his band programs and commanded respect like no one else could. Peace and wonderful memories to his family and all he touched!
Mr. and Mrs. Gus Moody, July 2010, SHS Class of 1980 30-year Reunion
Summerville High School Class of 1980
April 12, 2015
We are truly saddened to hear of the loss of a man we deeply admired and adored. Whether a member of the band or a mere student who was in awe of the talent of our fellow students, we all greatly admired and respected Mr. Moody. He was and remained an icon and a person whose values and lifestyle we all hoped to emulate. How very lucky we were that he was gracious enough to attend our 30-year reunion in 2010. To the day of his passing, he remained one of the kindest, most gentle and admired teachers to have ever graced the halls of Summerville High School. To the Moody family, please know we share in your sadness and sorrow. May your fondest memories provide you happiness today, tomorrow and always.
With Our Deepest Sympathy and Condolences,
Renee Owens
April 12, 2015
Mr. Moody, I don't know if Julie got a chance to tell you this, but I wanted to tell you thank you for all you've done for me. No person on this earth, other than my parents, has made a greater impact on my life than you. From as long as I can remember you have been an inspiration to me, even when I left your office in tears after getting yelled at! I wouldn't be what I am today with out your guidance. Thank you. You are one in a million. What an angel heaven has gained. Love always, Renee
Pat Wylie
April 12, 2015
So few words in his Obituary. How do you describe such a great man with mere words. A man of great talent and greater humility. I was blessed to call him friend.
Frank Watson
April 12, 2015
Gus was a great teacher, a fine friend, and a wonderful man. His legacy lives on not only in his thousands of students, but in everyone that knew this gracious and exemplary human being. I'm proud to consider Gus Moody as a friend and a colleague. He made my life better and fuller. RIP my friend.
April 12, 2015
I truly appreciated the care and instruction Mr Moody gave at the Summer Music Camps at Furman. Jan and family you are in my prayers Louise Robinson, Greenwood, SC
Bob and Becky McDaniel
April 12, 2015
Gus was a fine man and great friend, and a Christian gentleman He was a positive influence on a huge number of young people. Sincere condolences to family and friends.
Brenda & Bobby Wylie
April 12, 2015
There was not a finer man than Gus Moody. He always greeted you with a smile. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
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