Robert Lee Moody Sr.

Robert L. Moody, Sr., 88, nationally recognized businessman, philanthropist, and patriarch of the Moody family died on November 7 at his home in Galveston. "Bobby," as he was affectionately known by so many, shepherded the Moody family's insurance, banking, and hospitality businesses in Texas with immense success for over 60 years.
Bobby and his late wife, Ann McLeod Moody, were loving parents to a blended family of eight children, all of whom have had exceptional careers in business, law, and philanthropy, followed by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bobby and Ann were both born in Galveston and early in their marriage decided that Galveston was to be their forever home, a place to grow their expanding family. There was no greater champion of the Island than Bobby, and through his imagination and power of will, dreamed of a Galveston that he helped to make a reality.
Grandson of renowned financier and entrepreneur W. L. Moody, Jr., Bobby was gifted with the Moody business acumen and big picture foresight. He soon followed in his grandfather's footsteps, and in 1956 founded National Western Life Insurance Company. In 1960, Bobby joined the American National Board of Directors, becoming Chairman of the Board in 1980 and President in 1996. As the grandson of the company's founder, he helped build American National into a leader in the insurance industry, providing a sense of financial security for millions of Americans.
Bobby's impact extended far beyond business thanks to his generous philanthropic efforts in Galveston and beyond, including the establishment of the Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute, formerly the Transitional Learning Center, for the rehabilitation of brain trauma patients. In 1992, to sustain and develop the economic health of his beloved hometown of Galveston, Bobby spearheaded the construction of Moody Gardens.
He has often been described as having a visionary spirit and deep empathy for others, coupled with a relentless perseverance in matters important to him. Bobby was well known to be incredibly equitable, always treating those with whom he worked and interacted with great dignity and respect. Colleagues throughout Bobby's career remember his fairness and eagerness to both teach and learn.
In addition to his home and businesses, family was always a priority for Bobby. His children remember how effortlessly he balanced work and family throughout his long career. Memories of family members include Saturday morning baseball games with all the neighborhood children–with Bobby always acting as coach, pitcher and umpire. Travel was also an important way for the Moody family to spend time together. Bobby and Ann traveled often with their eight children in tow, creating lifelong memories from Florida to New York.
Bobby and his only sibling, Shearn, Jr., both born on Galveston Island, were mere toddlers when their young father, Shearn Moody, died of pneumonia in 1936. The boys were sent to boarding school, and despite these early hardships, Bobby was honored as top cadet at Valley Forge Military Academy in Pennsylvania upon graduation in 1953. His training at Valley Forge proved to be beneficial during his time in the U.S. Army. Bobby's veteran status, lifelong discipline, and strong work ethic in business served him well throughout his remarkable career.
Bobby has had an extraordinary amount of success in a number of areas. Among the positions held are: Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director, American National Insurance Company; Director, Chairman of the Board and Director, Gal-Tex Hotel Corporation; Chairman of the Board of Trustees, The Moody Foundation; Chairman of the Board, Moody National Bank; President and Director, Moody Bank Holding Company, Inc.; Chairman of the Board and Director, Moody Endowment; Director, Mary Moody Northen, Inc.; Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, National Western Life Insurance Company; and Chairman of the Board and Director, Transitional Learning Center.
In addition, Bobby has been the recipient of awards and successes far too numerous to name. But certainly, among his proudest accomplishments and accompanying labors of love was his work in developing the Transitional Learning Center and Galveston's Moody Gardens, all which would not have been possible but for the generosity of the Moody Foundation, a legacy for which the family feels the proudest, and one they hope will impact future Texans for generations. These institutions continue on in Bobby's memory.
Robert L. Moody, Sr. was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Ann McLeod Moody, his parents, Shearn Moody, Sr. and Frances Moody Newman, his brother Shearn Moody, Jr. and by an infant son. He is survived by eight children including a blended family of Robert L. Moody, Jr. (Ingrid), Russell S. Moody, Ross R. Moody, Frances Anne "Francie" Moody-Dahlberg (Kevin), Edwin Vince "Vic" Matthews (Cindi), Lea McLeod Matthews (Jennifer), Allan Watkins Matthews (Lori), and Dorothea "Dotsy" Matthews Balentine (David); his grandchildren Elizabeth Lee "Elle" Moody (James Gray), Frances Moody Buzbee (Tony), Robert L. Moody, III, Jackson Davis "Jack" Moody, Maggie Grace Moody, Russell Shearn "Rusty" Moody, II, William Charles McLeod "Will" Matthews (Emma), Katherine Leanne "Kit" Matthews, Tiffany Nicole Bastow, Kimberly McLeod Almon (Jackson), Marissa Ann Matthews, Lauren Anne Balentine, Alexis Gabrielle Moody-Dahlberg, and Ashton Lee Moody-Dahlberg; great-grandchildren, Ella Ann Grant, Jackson "Pierce" Almon, II, Brooks Woodson Almon, and Ann McLeod "Annie" Almon.
The entire family would like to also recognize Mr. Moody's personal assistant, attendant, and friend, Jackie Wodecki, and the many caregivers for their loyalty and service throughout his long illness.
Pallbearers will be Robert L. Moody, Jr., Russell S. Moody, Ross R. Moody, Jackson D. Moody, Robert L. Moody, III, Russell S. Moody, II, Ashton Lee Moody-Dahlberg, William Matthews, and Irwin "Buddy" Herz. Honorary Pallbearers will be Kevin Lee Dahlberg, E. Vince Matthews, Allan W. Matthews, E. Douglas McLeod, Eugene Lucas, Charles D. "Sonny" Milos, Vic Pierson, and Jackie Wodecki.
Funeral services will be provided by Carnes Brothers Funeral Home in Galveston, 1201 23rd Street, (409) 765-8080. Visitation will take place at The Moody Mansion at 2618 Broadway in Galveston from 5:00 p.m.– 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 20th. Church services will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2216 Ball Street in Galveston at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21st. Private burial to follow at Galveston Memorial Park in Hitchcock.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Mr. Robert L. Moody may be sent to Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute, 1528 Postoffice St, Galveston, Texas 77550.