Edmond Junior 'Boot' Moody

The blow was hard; the shock severe; no one believed his death was so near.

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Edmond Junior “Boot” Moody, who departed this life on January 7th, 2025, at the age of 81. The loss was sudden, and the shock is felt deeply by all who knew him. Born on August 2nd, 1943, in Northampton County, North Carolina, Boot was the eldest of eight children, born to the late Stephen Rufus Moody and Mary Turner Moody.

Boot grew up in a Christian home, where he was instilled with strong faith values. From an early age, he accepted Christ and became a member of Cool Spring Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. F. L. Bullock, where he remained a dedicated attendee throughout his life.

Boot’s early education began in a three-room schoolhouse before he transitioned to Squire Elementary in Gaston, North Carolina, following the construction of a new school. He completed his elementary education and went on to graduate from Gumberry High School. Later, he earned his GED, furthering his commitment to personal growth. In 1964, at the age of 20, Boot enlisted in the United States Army on January 10th. His military career spanned 21 years and one month, during which he served with distinction. He completed basic training at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and was stationed at various locations, including Fort Riley, Kansas, Fort Carson, Colorado, and AP Hill, Virginia. His military service took him on three tours of duty in Vietnam (1965-1966, 1968-1969, and 1971), as well as tours in Germany and Panama. Boot earned a Purple Heart after being wounded in Vietnam and received numerous honors and medals for his service. He was honorably discharged from the Army on April 30th, 1985.

After his retirement, Boot spent a year traveling the world, reconnecting with friends and comrades he had met during his military service, before returning to his home in Gaston, North Carolina.

Boot’s commitment to his community continued after his military service. He was a proud member of the Northampton Veteran Advocacy Commission and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #4312 in Seaboard, North Carolina.

In addition to his military service, Boot was a man of many talents. He was the neighborhood barber, and on Saturdays, his house was always filled with people waiting for a haircut. He was known as the grill master, starting the family’s first reunion (which he funded himself), and was famous for his “Moody Burger.” Boot was also a skilled carpenter and plumber, and one of his favorite pastimes was fishing. He could often be found on his pier, baiting his pole and catching dinner with ease. A passionate bowler, Boot traveled across the country, participating in tournaments in New Orleans and Las Vegas. Above all, Boot was a true “people person.” He never met a stranger and could hold a conversation for hours, always making others feel at ease. Edmond was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen Rufus and Mary Turner Moody; and three brothers: Jeremiah, Richard, and John Moody.

He leaves to cherish his memory four sisters: Rosa Squire of Gaston, North Carolina; Annie Patillo of Baltimore, Maryland; Betty Cruse (Stanley) of Pikesville, Maryland; and Mary Jones (Don) of Fredericksburg, Virginia; one sister-in-law, Linda Moody of Anniston, Alabama; three nephews: Anthony Squire, Michael Cruse, and Kevin Lawson; four nieces: Elizabeth Harvey, Sharon Patillo, Venus Brown, and Christina Cruse; one uncle, John Ruffin of Garysburg, North Carolina; and a brother-at-heart, Dea. Steve Jackson. Boot is also survived by his longtime companion, Carolyn James, along with a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Lovingly submitted,

The Family

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mr. Moody's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

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to the family of Mr. Edmond Junior Moody

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

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