Richard Howard Moody's Obituary
Richard Howard “Dick” Moody, 82, valiantly lost his battle with cancer at home in Tavares, FL on December 12, 2023 with his family at his side. He was born on December 9, 1941 to Robert H. Moody and Mary E. Richardson in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Dick lived his life with great vitality, enthusiasm, and compassion. His creativity spanned many decades as a painter, illustrator, designer, art director, sculptor, author, musician, teacher, car builder, professional saxophone player, sailor, and auctioneer.
Notable milestones in his adventurous journey through life include designing and managing over 100 US Navy Exhibits worldwide, the pinnacle exhibit being the 1976 Bi-Centennial Exhibition at Cape Canaveral. Additionally, he shared a successful business venture with his wife Kathleen, in which they owned and operated two businesses, ArtSystems of Florida in Orlando and Great Southern Gallery in Key West. It was this latter enterprise where Dick and Kathleen fell in love with Key West and spent the last 35 years.
Dick’s legacy and love of art can be seen throughout Key West with a prolific body of work. He created and sold over 600 paintings, painted over 2 dozen murals including a 2000 sq. ft. 3-D mural of downtown Havana at Sloppy Joe's and 40 stainless steel sculptures, which include a 30-foot stainless steel hammerhead shark at Smather's Beach Bath House, a stainless steel Blue Marlin outside the Blue Marlin Motel, a stainless steel fish head fountain at the La Conch Hotel, and a stainless steel replica of the first airplane that flew from Key West to Havana in 1913 is proudly displayed at the Key West International Airport.
Dick taught Acrylic Painting and Gallery Design Management at the Fl. Keys Community College. He was also involved with several organizations that included the Old Island Restoration Foundation
where he created the Bahama Village Photo Exhibit; was a founder of Fl. Keys Southernmost Car Club; and was an active member of the KW Writers Guild.
His music passion began at an early age when he joined the band in grade school. It was here he fell in love with the saxophone, dubbing himself the “Saxman”. He played many venues and private parties throughout his life. While playing his tunes, he made many lifelong friends, bandmates, and memories that he always held dear.
In 1978, Dick met and married the love of his life Kathleen. Together, they took over 30 cruises to ports all over the world. But what made him so proud was the love of his family, boating with son Wyatt, painting with grandson Cody, target shooting with granddaughter Jessica, and the joy of seeing his grandchildren happy, and expanding the Moody name.
Dick was preceded in death by his son, Wyatt Moody. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Kathleen; his daughter, Kimberly Lord; his grandchildren, April Moody, E. Ryan (Erin) Crouse, A. Cody (Kalynn) Crouse, and Jessica Moody; his great-grandchildren, Kai Crouse, Caroline Crouse, Ellie Mae Crouse, BettySue Crouse, and baby Wyatt Moody due Dec 30; his two sisters, Vicky Clifton and Jan Kay; and surrogate son Ray (Amy) Thorn.
Funeral Services will be held at Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home in Tavares, FL on Friday, December 22, 2023, visitation begins at noon.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Dick’s love of Dachshunds, please donate to ASPCA or your local animal rescue.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Key West
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