Cecil Earl Moody

1935-2026

Cecil E. Moody, 91 years old, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026.  Born on January 5, 1935 in Rutledge, Alabama, Crenshaw County, he’s the son of the late Calvin Bruce and Mildred Lee Daniel Moody of Greenville, Alabama.  He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Calvin Claude Moody, James Durwood Moody, William Dover Moody and Shylon Cord Moody.

Cecil graduated from Greenville High School and received his undergraduate and Master’s Degree in Education and Psychology from the University of Alabama.  He worked over 35 years as a dedicated educator in multiple school systems in several states working as Psychometrist with the Board of Education and teaching grades K-12 and college level.  He taught English, Home Economics, Special Education, Math, Science, History and French.  In 2001, he traveled to Beijing, China where he taught ESL for several years.

Cecil is survived by his brother, Lonny Moody (Mae) of Greenville, AL; daughters, Melanie Loraine Moody Burns, Naomi Phanomphanh Moody Johnson, Penelope Ramona Moody Dean (David) and Elizabeth Antoinette Moody Handley; sons, Jayson Terrell Jarrett (Sharilyn), Patrick P. Moody, Creed S. Moody and Christopher Andrew Moody (Anh Le); grandchildren include, Charles Ashley Lancaster (Amanda), Chase Alexander Lancaster, Christopher Lee Hancock, Brandon Ladon Hancock (Keyah), Brody David Dean (Bret), Dylan Joseph Dean,  Joshua Jarrett Jett (Erin), Courtney Jayde Jarrett Trimble (David), Jaymes Ryan Scott Jarrett (Rashell), Calvin Nguyen Moody, Jacob Nguyen Moody, Chloe Le Moody, Branson Christopher Smith, and Berkeley Cecilia Smith, twelve great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins.

In 1976 Cecil began adopting and fostering children which led to adopting five children from three different countries as well as fostering and hosting foreign exchange students.  He built a home filled with unconditional love, music, and endless patience for his kids and family.

Cecil had many talents and hobbies.  In his spare time he enjoyed playing musical instruments and singing.  He was the founder of the Foothills Trio in 2014 who traveled to venues and festivals sharing their love for music specializing in the Appalachian Mountain dulcimer.  He could play most any instrument but among his favorites were the dulcimer, psaltry, autoharp, harmonica, concertina and banjmo.

Other talents include being author of over eighty-five (85) books and poetry with five manuscripts being published.  Many people have enjoyed his artwork style that included paintings and pencil drawings.

When he wasn’t writing or playing an instrument he enjoyed studying genealogy, theatre, and traveling.  One of his many memories he loved to share was being in the movie “What Waits Below” and on the game show “My Hometown”.

The Moody family would like to thank everyone for all the calls, texts, and concerns.  Cecil requested not to have a service and asked for his friends and family touched by his passing to “Keep the best memories” of him.  Cecil lived life to the fullest and made his mission to help and better others…

A small family gathering will be held for immediate family at Siloam Baptist Church in Rutledge, Alabama, Crenshaw County.

Special thanks to Country Place Assisted Living in Greenville, AL.  Their administration and staff were excellent and cared.  Also thanks to our exceptional hospice nurse Monica Smith…you were a light in a dark time.  God Bless you all!