Brody Schwartz

Broden "Brody" Mckenzie Schwartz, 14, of Ararat, passed away Friday, August 8, 2025, at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, surrounded by those who loved him most. Born September 15, 2010, in Winston-Salem, Brody had just completed eighth grade and was preparing to start his freshman year at East Surry High School. Though his life was short in years, it was overflowing with courage, joy, laughter, and love.Brody was a force. Competitive by nature, he brought a zest for life that could light up any room with his smile. Whether it was riding his side-by-side, singing along to every Luke Combs song, or cracking jokes that sometimes definitely shouldn’t be repeated, Brody lived boldly and joyfully. He was unbelievably tough. Throughout his life, Brody faced numerous surgeries and physical challenges, but he never let disability define him. He faced each new hurdle with bravery, humor, and an unshakable spirit. He never complained (not unless he was hungry) and always approached life with a “let’s do this” attitude. Brody was fiercely loyal and deeply loving. Brody had a serious case of FOMO, he wanted to be a part of everything, all the time. He truly lived every moment to its fullest, and in doing so, taught all who knew him how to live better, love harder, and smile bigger. Brody is survived by his mother, Lauren Goins (Nick Moore); his father, Ben Schwartz (Adaire); his brothers, Brantley Schwartz and Brooks Goins; and his stepbrothers, Finlee Tate and Beckham Storms. Also surviving are his maternal grandparents, Cindy Woodruff (Jay Hooker) and Don Goins, Jr. (Carolyn Choate); paternal grandparents, Brenda and Daniel Schwartz; great-grandparents, Delories and Don Goins, Sr. and Bill Joe and Irene Woodruff; aunts and uncles, Jordan Schwartz (Tessa), Brianna Gordon (Zach), and Yancey Simmons (Hannah); special great-aunt, Jill Simmons; cousins, Viola Simmons, Waylon Gordon, Memphis Gordon, and Jaden Schwartz; and many other great-aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were blessed to be part of Brody’s world. He is also survived by his loyal companion, Gus. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. A private graveside service will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The HEARTest Yard, a program of the Greg Olsen Foundation, which supports families of children with congenital heart conditions -- https://receptionsforresearch.networkforgood.com/projects/198839-heartest-yard , 43 Congress Street, Suite 175, Charlotte, North Carolina 28209. Though words could never fully capture the wonder and strength of Brody’s life, we are all better for having known and loved him. May we all strive to live as bravely and joyfully as Brody did. There truly will never be another like him. Moody Funeral Service in Mount Airy has been entrusted with Brody’s arrangements.