Mylrice Moody was born on Saturday, September 23, 1922, in Mt. Olive, Arkansas to Joseph William Moody and Margaret ”Mag” Smith Moody. He died on Saturday, March 30, 2024 in Batesville, Arkansas at the age of 101 years, 6 months and 7 days of age.
Mylrice was born of the greatest generation. He was a strong, tough, hard-working, good man who was dependable, very kind and unique. He loved to fish and hunt, growing a garden, sometimes as many as three gardens. He loved to cook, especially baking pies. His family loved his pecan pies and key lime pies. He also enjoyed making jewelry, using polished stones and placing them in gold and silver rings and necklaces. He loved woodworking and would make wooden toys and give them to children.
He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during WWII, and retired from General Motors Corporation, where he was a supervisor for the automotive parts division for 29 ½ years. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Batesville, serving as president of the church for many years.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Irene Hightower Moody; a son, Robert Jordan; a daughter, Gloria Love; four grandchildren, Debbie Spooner, Ronald Merchant, Daniel Merchant and Ronnie Benner; and sister, Ruby Dale.
He is survived by his wife, whom he married, on October 20, 2019, Marlene Bailey Moody; children, Charles Jordan (Linda) of Batesville, Mary Thornton (Don) of Talladega, Alabama, Frankie Bailey (Denise) of Sidney, and Scott Bailey (Shelly) of Melbourne; a brother, Lavaughn Moody (Fern) of Batesville; a sister, Ida Lee of Witt Springs; 11 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great children; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home Chapel with Eric Leman, Charles Jordan, and Chad Jordan officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery with military honors.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. an hour before the service.
Pallbearers are Shawn Rose, Josh Wood, Shane Rose, Kyle Rose, Hunter Courtney and Phillip Sexton.
Honorary Pallbearers are Chad Jordan, Daniel, David and Blake Bailey.
Memorials can be made in his honor to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or t2t.org.
