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Ben “Captain” Moody

Obituary

Ben “Captain” Moody

August 19, 1979 – May 26, 2022 (age 42)

Benjamin “Ben” Earle Moody III passed peacefully at the age of 42 surrounded by friends and family.

  He was born to Ben and Susan Moody in Waco, Texas, on August 19, 1979. Ben grew up in Dallas, Texas, and graduated from Plano Senior High School. His love of the sea and fishing started early, frequently spending vacation time in his formative years at the ocean. As an adult, Ben moved to Port Aransas, Texas, where he subsequently developed his skills in deep sea fishing and earned his Captain’s license on June 12, 2003, as a U.S. Merchant Marine Officer. He created multiple friendships over the years with other mariners, especially as he competed in various fishing tournaments.   Ben moved back to Dallas and met his future wife, Nicole Downs, in 2003. They later married on April 19, 2008, and had two beautiful children, Austin (November 13, 2009) and Katelyn (October 29, 2012).   Ben built a career as an accomplished concrete superintendent, and the family settled in Sachse, Texas. Ben was known by all his friends and family as a devoted father and husband and the best friend a person could have. Ben would give the shirt off his back to help someone and always stood up for the underdog. He lived out God’s second greatest commandment in his daily life, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” He will forever be remembered for his warm embrace, willingness to help, and infectious laugh. As friends describe him, “Ben was one of a kind,” and “They broke the mold…there will never be anyone just like him.” Ben never knew a stranger and had an uncanny ability to make a friend wherever he went.   He loved to entertain and cook and always made sure his guests felt welcome. Whether it was a warm fire, a favorite dish or drink, Ben made sure it was there. He was an avid hunter and maintained his love for fishing over the years. Ben passed this love for the outdoors on to his son, Austin, and the two made many memories during their hunting and fishing trips together. Ben’s love of sweets and desserts was matched only by his daughter, whom he called “Princess Katelyn.” When he traveled, no matter where he was, Princess Katelyn called her daddy every morning to say, “I love you,” always starting Ben’s day with a smile.   Ben was a man of faith and family values, and he took so much joy in being a father. His face often lit up when he talked about his children and family.   Ben is survived by his wife, Nicole Lynn Moody; two children, Austin Colt and Katelyn Nicole; parents Ben and Susan Moody, and sisters Greta Nicole Moody and Sarah Jane Moody. Ben was dearly loved by his in-laws, nieces, nephews, and entire extended family.   A memorial service in Ben’s honor will be held at United Christian Church in Garland, Texas, on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at 1 p.m., with a reception following to share our memories from the past. Flowers will be arranged through A Touch of Heaven Floral Designs.   Burial at sea will be announced at a future date at South Baker, 60 miles south of Port Aransas, Texas, in the Gulf of Mexico.

    RALEIGH BLAKELY III
    31 May 2022
    5:41pm

    I’ve known Ben since about the age of 4 or 5 years old. Way too many stories to share, but I will never forget his infectious laugh, especially after smashing pumpkins after Halloween. Rest in peace my dear friend. We all will never forget you and they happiness you brought anyone you met. Love ya buddy!

    the Colonel
    31 May 2022
    5:46pm

    I praise God for every remembrance of the Captain. His high paced lifestyle allowed him to compress 85 years of living into 42. I so admire his compassion for everyone he met and his desire to always go the extra mile. His was a life well lived. I am especially grateful for his many good and close friends. Thank you all for your kindness, compassion, and shared stories from past adventures. We love hearing them. He left way too early, but Heaven I know is richer for him.

    Rosemary Kinzer
    31 May 2022
    5:50pm

    We love & Will truly miss Benjamin Our comfort is knowing he is with Jesus & looking forward to seeing him again Praying for all who have loved him A wonderful loving man indeed!

    Johnny Matlock
    31 May 2022
    5:55pm

    Ben is like a little brother to me. I always called him such. I swear that guy made my face hurt from all the laughing and smiling. He is already missed in the Port A area.
    Rest In Peace, little brother. We love you, my friend.

    Loreal Holmes
    31 May 2022
    5:59pm

    One of the sweetest men I’ve ever had the pleasure to call my friend. The world definitely is less bright without you. A true gem. Nothing but great memories that will always bring a smile to my face and sadness to my heart. We’re all lucky to have had Ben in our lives. I’ll cherish the times we had in our friendship. My sincerest condoles to his family and all friends. Very sorry much love to you all prayers. May you all find peace in memories you made together

    Misty Durbin Campos
    31 May 2022
    6:19pm

    So incredibly sorry for this tremendous loss that was way too soon. Lord please surround this family with peace and comfort as they navigate life now without Ben.

    Everardo
    31 May 2022
    6:21pm

    I am so sorry I met him through David Manry at his boat drinking a couple of beers He looked calm good person always treat me in the best way despite me being an external worker to the yatch
    Hug up to heaven !!!

    Aunt Mickey & Uncle Larry
    31 May 2022
    6:31pm

    Nicole,

    You are in our prayers for continued strength during this time. We are so very sorry for your loss. We love you!

    Glenda Ascencio
    31 May 2022
    7:04pm

    My condolences to you are your family. Sending lots of hugs and prayers!

    31 May 2022
    7:13pm

    I met Ben on his Dailey treks around the neighbor in Sachse over the last couple of years. I have never met a man more gregarious then Ben. Ben was one of a kind. I have driven around the neighbor hood in past evening and there would would be Ben interacting with some neighbor in the hood. I will miss his retort to guestions by me with his statement of “ yes sir”. Rest in pease buddy. I agree Ben never met a stranger.

    Bobby Feazell
    31 May 2022
    7:30pm

    Ben,
    What can I say?? You were a great friend and a Fantastic individual, and yes a very infectious laugh that would make anyones day light up.. I am going to Miss you..
    May God shine his face upon you and give you his peace.

    Bobby Feazell

    Kelly Mosley
    31 May 2022
    7:39pm

    Ben…you were always the hostest with mostest! You loved your family and friends and strangers fiercer than anyone I’ve ever known. You always thought of others and always supported everyone and anyone in need. You were blessed with an equally beautiful caring/giving wife Nicole! And then created two beautiful children who no doubt will carry on your spirit and legacy. You are loved by all, and will be missed dearly. Your love shared with all will be carried on by your beautiful wife, children and friends. Fish on buddy!! Can’t wait to see you again!

    Donnie Roberts
    1 Jun 2022
    11:47am

    I still can’t believe you’re gone. I know you are smiling and laughing in heaven with all the new and old friends. I will miss our talks and making new memories with you. You were more than a friend, you were my brother. You loved your family on a level that everyone should aspire to do. Your beautiful wife and kids will carry on your legacy. You would give the shirt off your back to anyone, and I will continue to do the same in my life. Thank you for being one of a kind and touching so many peoples lives in a positive way. You will forever be missed!

    Shae Armstrong
    2 Jun 2022
    7:46am

    I have known Ben since I was 5 or 6. My parents moved out of our neighborhood when i was in high school and we were disconnected until we were about 29 when I found myself sitting next to him with my future wife and inlaws at a dinner at Lake Texoma and we just looked at each other and started laughing. He hadn’t changed a bit…positive, energetic, and stand up high character guy. He will be missed. Prayers for the family.

    kim penz
    2 Jun 2022
    2:41pm

    Ben and I grew up riding bikes in the streets of Bent tree West, and had many underground adventures together in the storm drains. Our paths crossed again when he was a guide in Oklahoma. Im so sad to hear that you’re gone. Save a Deerstand for me in heaven!

    2 Jun 2022
    3:09pm

    Benjamin was a loyal friend for forty years. We had stayed in touch even after I sold my house on High Star across from his family home. After my wife died two years ago, Benjamin called regularly to see if I needed anything. The last time as recently as three weeks ago. His kindness and sweetness were heart warming. His witness and faith were inspiring. I know that I am a better person and this world is a better place because of him.

    The Apostle Paul wrote “to live is Christ, to die is gain”. Benjamin certainly had Christ and now has Glory for ever and ever. As a Christian, I realize this is only a home going for those of faith. We know that we are separated but for a season and we shall see our loved ones again with our Heavenly Father and His Son and the Holy Spirit! May God give us all the peace He promised us in John 14:27.

    In his grip,
    Neighbor Gary

    Patti Blakely
    2 Jun 2022
    11:07pm

    Sweet sweet Benjamin and wonderful family
    I am soo truly heart broken. From Goal busters to sewer adventures, from High Star to your ever lasting beam in the Heaven’s greatness- I have never forgotten you nor will I ever-truly a childhood friend of our family Much much love to all!

    Elliot Witte
    3 Jun 2022
    1:57pm

    Captain!!! You are a one of a kind friend. I will always cherish our friendship, adventures, stories, and especially laughs. Your laugh was probably the most contagious laugh. Once you started the entire room would be laughing shortly after. Your friendship was more like family because I know you would have done anything to help me out and I would have done the same for you. Heaven gained a special man. I am sure you have everyone laughing, eating good food, and drinking adult beverages! To the entire Moody family my condolences to you. Gone way too soon but a legacy that will last a lifetime. I love you bro and know you will be greatly missed!

    Elliot aka Tejano

    Sarah Moody
    23 Jun 2022
    3:50pm

    Little Brother, I can’t believe you’re gone. To say I was proud of you is an understatement. You were one of the smartest and most talented people I’ve ever known–a true “legend” in SO many ways (best Captain, fisherman, marksman, and even fighter, to name a few!) and a “literal, real-life superhero,” just like in the movies, to me and so many others—even to strangers. You always looked out for me and those you loved—always willing to stand up for any of us. You had the rare quality of always knowing how to handle yourself in any type of perilous situation, and with your adventurous and daring lifestyle, you found yourself in many!

    I always, always loved hearing about your “classic” adventures, and not only that, you had a way of making everything funny. Your laugh alone could get the entire room laughing! Your personality was so unique, special and dearly loved. There was nobody like you.

    Ever since we were kids, you were the most special, loyal, and loving brother, and I got to have you in my life for 42 years. I’m forever so thankful for that gift and for my precious memories of you. You were loved deeply by so many, and so many of us would have done anything to save you, but your spirit will forever live on. I don’t think a day has gone by since you passed away that I haven’t heard your voice in my head, and I know I always will.

    The last time I saw you, you greeted me with a big, warm hug and a hearty, “Reeeh!” You hadn’t been in Virginia long, but I so enjoyed hearing about all of your “classic, legendary, Benjamin stories,” from the funny situations that prompted the, “I’m from Texas!” comments, to paying for the single mom’s groceries who couldn’t pay for her own, living out Jesus’ 2nd greatest commandment.
    The light you shone into the world will remain in the many, many lives you touched, and especially in Nicole, all of us who loved you, and in Austin and Katelyn. It’s so amazing to see Austin becoming so much like you in personality and blessed with SO many of the same awesome smarts and talents you had, and Katelyn is super blessed by sharing your happy, funny, light-hearted, always-having-fun outlook.

    Though I’ve cried and cried over losing you, and like so many of us, have naturally had thoughts of, “If only this or that,” my heart has also been joyful, and through it all, at peace, because ultimately, I know you’re in God’s hands. I’ve seen with my own eyes how we worship a God of true miracles, and we were all praying and believing for one, but I truly believe it was your time for reasons only God understands. He knew the number of your days. Knowing you’re happy, will never suffer again, and are in the glorious presence of Jesus, where we’ll be reunited, gives me deep joy, and your happiness triumphs my grief!

    The song, “Waiting,” from one of your favorite movies, Rudy, was a very special surprise and a beautiful blessing to me a couple of days after your service, and it further reminded me that you’re happy, in heaven, and “waiting” for us. The song is both sad, for our grief, but also victorious, and the victory is certainly yours. You made it! God took you home! I listen to this song, as well as other music that lets me reflect on the beauty of where you are, and I celebrate with you every single day.

    I also hope all those who loved you are celebrating too despite their grief. I know you would want everyone moving forward in a positive way, focusing on all the good times, letting go of any negativity, or guilt, or “what if’s,” and feeling thankfulness and joy (and laughter!) when thinking of you. Without a doubt, you’d want everyone to be happy, and I can hear in my head several light-hearted comments you’d make agreeing with this, hehe. Our family wants this for everyone as well. You have the most amazing, supportive, loyal group of friends who we’ll always consider to be like family. We’re so very grateful.

    Your amazing, positive, warm, loving, loyal, light-hearted, giving, hard-working, helpful, happy, optimistic, funny, fearless, friendly, fun-loving, mischievous spirit will bless us all for the rest of our lives.

    I loved you more than words can ever express, and I always will.

    Katelyn Moody
    11 May 2023
    4:42pm

    Dad, I will definitely miss you a lot I know that we had are moments but I wasn’t ready to let go I will always love you

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