Paul Moody

Paul Stewart Moody, age 85, of Tennessee Ridge, TN, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family Tuesday, August 1, 2023.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Erin Baptist Church with Bro. Richard Neal officiating.  Full military honors will be rendered prior to the service.

Family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service Saturday afternoon.

Paul entered this life on April 26, 1938, in Harriman, Tennessee, son to the late Herschel and Evelyn Moody.  Upon graduation, Paul entered North Carolina State before proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era.  Following his military service, Paul graduated from UT Knoxville and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.  During his pursuit of higher education, Paul met the love of his life, Brenda June Bennett, to whom he remained married to for 57 years.  Paul began pastoring in Kentucky and East Tennessee before moving his family to Houston County in 1974.  Paul served as pastor of Erin Baptist Church where he held the title of Pastor Emeritus where he served for 30 years. Following his retirement from Erin Baptist Church, Paul felt called to the Arlington Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where he served as their pastor, as well as filling in for numerous other community churches as needed.

Paul’s passions included reading, sports (especially his Tennessee Volunteers), and a lifelong commitment to serving others.  Paul was a previous member of the Erin Rotary Club, and the Tennessee Baptist Convention, where he served as president for both. He was also a faithful board member of the Houston County Public Library Board, and was honored to be the 1993 Lord High Mayor.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his brothers, John and David Moody.

Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Brenda June Moody; children, Greg (Leslie) Moody, Tracy (John) Clardy; siblings, Phillip Moody, Dan Moody, Martha Ivory, and Elaine Stafford. Paul also leaves behind his precious grandchildren, Caitlin (Lucas) Reed, Luke Clardy, Landry (Carter) Cary, Hollyn Clardy.

Serving as pallbearers will be Luke Clardy, Carter Cary, Lucas Reed, Sam Fussell, Alan Petterman, Cary Rye.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a church or charity of your choice, or the Houston County Public Library, which Paul loved very much.

Arrangements are in the care of Nave Funeral Home, (931) 289-4277, NaveFuneralHomes.com.