WILMINGTON — With a twinkle in his eye and a grin that would light up a room, John Frederick Moody, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, took his final run to home plate on November 10, 2025, at the age of 73. John lived a life full of laughter, love, and a sprinkle of moxie that made every moment with him a memorable one.
Born to John (Jack) and Ethel Moody, John was destined for a life where friendships blossomed at every corner. If there was a contest for the most gregarious man with the biggest heart, John would have taken the gold every time. His sense of camaraderie was nurtured during his years as a linebacker at Rick’s Junior College (now Brigham Young University-Idaho) and Carroll College (Helena, MT). John was a lifelong resident of Columbia, SC until the last 2 years of his life, where he enjoyed the salt air and unforgettable sunsets.
For 21 years, John was not just a friendly face, but a beacon of joy as a coach and grill master at the Dentsville Baseball concessions, serving traditional baseball fair or post-game snacks and stories to loyal fans. After 37 years, he retired from the City of Columbia Water Department and subsequently Jacobs Engineering, though retiring never stopped him from finding new adventures and getting into just the right amount of mischief.
An active member of the Knights of Columbus and a devout parishioner of St. Therese Catholic Church in Wrightsville Beach, NC —and formerly at St. John Neumann Catholic Church (Columbia, SC)—John’s faith and friendship was an ever-guiding force. While he began his journey raised as a Mormon, he found great joy and community in his Catholic faith.
A loyal and lifelong fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks and New York Mets, since he was a mere seven years of age, John could discuss stats and game day strategies with the best of them. His love for South Carolina Gamecock Men’s and Women’s College basketball, football, and baseball was infectious, spreading amongst family and friends and ensuring lively gatherings whenever the Gamecocks or the Mets were on the field.
John was predeceased by his loving parents, Jack and Ethel Moody, his dear son, Matthew Christopher Moody, his former wife, the late, Christina Duff Moody, and his beloved dogs, Coco and Chang. He is survived by his loving wife and partner in fun, Lisa Sharrard of Wilmington NC; his sons, Brandon (Hannah) Moody of Camden, SC, and Marcus Moody, of Columbia, SC; his beloved daughter-in-law, Kayla Moody (Wesley) of Lexington, SC, his step-children Ashley Holland and Ben Jones of Mt Pleasant, SC; and his adored grandchildren, Maddox, Millie, and Mars—all of whom inherited his zest for life.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your local animal shelter or Tunnel for Towers, capturing the spirit of generosity that John lived by every day.
John Frederick Moody may have left this world, but his spirit and humor remain eternal. He left a thumbprint on everyone he touched. The memories he gifted us will continue to inspire, comfort, and occasionally tickle our funny bones. Here’s to a life well-lived and fondly remembered.
The Family would like to extend their appreciation to his care team of 10 years. Dr Allan M. Weldon (retired), Jill Lewis, NP of Columbia SC; Dr. Troy Horan, and Nurse Melissa Dunican of Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center (Wilmington, NC); the MUSC Urology Department (Charleston, SC), Drs. Thomas Keane, MD (retired, Chairman), and Barry Lifson, MD, along with Nurse Sunny Fauver, and most of all The Hollings Cancer Center Team (Charleston, SC). Dr. Theodore Gourdin, MD and Pooja Patel, PA. along with Nurse Cameron Taylor. The family also appreciates the end of life care provided by Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.
