By Williamson Herald
I was standing in the receiving line Friday afternoon to pay my respects for Mr. Ed Moody, a Franklin hero and pillar of the community who passed away at the age of 92. As I stood in line, conversations were taking place about Mr. Moody’s life and his influence on so many in this community. I mentioned to a fellow Rotarian who was standing next to me how unbelievable it was for Mr. Moody to have 60 years of perfect attendance. He rubbed his chin and said, “No not really. If you knew Mr. Moody it really wasn’t unbelievable to have perfect attendance. That was the way he was and if you knew that Ed believed in something he would support it 110 percent. He was diligent and that was the way he lived his life. You could count on him to be there and we even expected it. No it’s really not hard to believe at all.”
Obviously this Rotarian knew Mr. Moody much better than I did. However, I will say after thinking about that statement, and then listening to the stories and words said about Mr. Moody at his service, I can certainly agree with the Rotarian – it wasn’t unbelievable about his Rotary attendance. I think the same thing could be said for him about his church, faith and family. He was a man who was always there.
I was lucky enough to know Mr. Moody for six years. He was one of the few older Rotarians who extended a hand when I first joined the Franklin Noon Rotary Club. He was interested in my business and would always tell me what a great job we were doing with the local paper. He would stop by the office occasionally – especially in the first few years that I was involved. He would bring old photos for us to use or consider for a story. I especially enjoyed my time getting to know him while working on the Franklin Rodeo. He was an usher at the rodeo and showed up each night to work just like he had for 60 years. I learned so much about the rodeo and the club talking with him.
Pastor Rick White reflected on Mr. Moody during his service Saturday at the People’s Church. “He was the most contagious, influential, attractive, Christian man I have ever known. I have never heard anyone say an ill word about Ed Moody,” exclaimed White. “He lived a service life and he represented the people who built this great county.”
Mr. Ed Moody has touched so many people in Franklin and this community; I am honored to have known him, even for just a brief time. Pastor Rick White mentioned that one of the best things Ed Moody did was make sure you felt welcome and always extended his hand. Amen!