Herbert Eugene Moody

Herbert Eugene (Gene) Moody, 90, a long-time resident of Jonesboro passed away from this life on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 as a resident of the Sunrise Assisted Living Facility of Fort Worth, Texas.

Known much of his life commonly as “the Colonel”, Gene was born at home in Brookland, Arkansas, in 1932. His father, J.L. (Levi) Moody, retired from the Cotton Belt Railroad after many years and the family moved often eventually settling in Pine Bluff. His mother, Clella (McCracken) of Brookland, Arkansas was a talented beautician operating her own School of Beauty and private shop in their home. In 1950 Gene moved to Jonesboro often staying with family, to attend Arkansas State College pursuing a pre-Law degree in History, and an ever-increasing commitment to the ROTC Program. He received a Regular Army Commission in 1954 following graduation and the marriage to his college sweetheart, Doris Skidmore of Black Oak, Arkansas. Following initial Infantry Officer training, the family immediately began their journey of life with the United States Army. Gene served with dedication and distinction in assignments that included the 8 ^th Infantry Division in Germany, two tours in Vietnam, and as an instructor of Economics at the United States Military Academy, West Point. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the South Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm and Star, the Army Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Army Air Medals among many other recognitions and citations.

Following his honorable retirement from the U.S. Armed Forces after 20 years of service, Gene began his considerable second career in private industry as Product Support Manager and Sales Director for the FMC Corporation, Specialized Sprayer Division, located in Jonesboro. Gene traveled around the country and to locations world-wide representing an extensive line of agricultural and municipal support products.

Gene and Doris were married for 58 years from 1955 until her passing in 2013. Doris and Gene were inseparable except when “duty called”. and spent many of their years together supporting ASU and at their beloved vacation home in Hot Springs. They were truly soulmates, an extraordinary team and inspiration to their extended families, friends, and colleagues.

Well known and beloved by many, Gene leaves a massive void in the hearts of his family and a lasting impression on all those he encountered. Gene never met a stranger and was quick to strike up a conversation, extend his limitless generosity and the entertaining recounting of his fascinating life and opinions. Gene was active member of the Jonesboro Chapter of Lions Club International, The Military Officers Association of America and contributed countless volunteer hours and in various leadership roles at First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro. It was once said of Gene, “If I’ve learned anything about the Colonel, it is that he loves his family, his country, and the ASU Redwolves.”

Preceded in death: Wife: Doris Evelyn (Skidmore), Black Oak, Arkansas, Parents: Levi and Clella, Pine Bluff, Arkansas; and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Survivors include two sons: Keith and wife Jodi of Knoxville, Tennessee and Michael and wife Ann of Fort Worth, Texas. Five grandchildren: Andrew, Fort Worth, Texas; Benjamin (Cesar) of, Guadalajara, Mexico; Claire, (Field) of Fort Worth, Texas; Olivia, Knoxville, Tennessee; Grace, Nashville, Tennessee. Great-granddaughter: Louella Mae, Nashville, Tennessee. Sister: Betty Lee, Jonesboro, Arkansas. Cousins: Jennifer Kelly (Heath) and children Cole and Darcy, Jonesboro, Arkansas; Greg Nall (Stephanie); and Holly Nall Roberts (Randy), Brookland, Arkansas

A celebration of life and casual reception will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, 26 May at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro.

A Graveside and Honor Guard Ceremony will be conducted at 10:00am on Saturday, 27 May, at Pine Log Cemetery in Brookland, Arkansas. All are welcome.

For lasting memorials and in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in memory of his beloved Doris.