Ben Ray Moody

Ben Ray Moody, 87, a life-long resident of Siler City, died January 19, 2012, and was reunited with his loving wife of 54 years, the late Polly Darden Moody. Mr. Moody was born July 24, 1924 in Western North Carolina, the son of the late Noah Ben and Elisa Roberts Moody. In a life devoted to helping others, he served his country as a World War II Navy Veteran and his community through his dedicated service as an Honorary Lifelong Member of the Siler City Lion's Club, Masonic Lodge #403 and as an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Siler City. He is survived by his daughter, Lucinda Rae Moody Chreitzberg, and son-in-law, Mike Chreitzberg of Lake Norman. He is also survived by a special nephew, Alan Lane of Florida and sister-in-law, Jean Lambert Darden of Clemmons, NC, along with several other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his twin sister, Betty Moody Phillips, and by a sister, Charlotte Moody Lane. He was retired after over 30 years of service to Chatham Insurance & Realty. His years in the Navy sparked a lifelong love for airplanes. He loved dogs, especially his boxers, Ladybug and Cindy Lu, and cooking for the Methodist Men's breakfasts at his church. Mr. Moody's real passion, however, was helping others. He worked tirelessly to benefit the blind through the Lion's Club, to help homebound members of his church, and would help anyone in his community who called on him, whatever the hour of the day or night. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church, 1101 West Raleigh Street, Siler City, with the Rev. Clyde Denny and the Rev. Chan Shaver of Jamestown, NC, a nephew by marriage. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, P O Box 212, Siler City, NC 27344. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com.