Dr. Jerry L. Moody's Obituary
Dr. Jerry L. Moody, 76, of Fayetteville, AR passed away February 17, 2026, at Earlene Howard Hospice House in Springdale. He was born at City Hospital in Fayetteville, AR, on June 4, 1949, to Julius A. Moody and Edith (Edmondson) Moody. Jerry and his family lived in Illinois and Missouri before residing in Clarksville, Arkansas. After graduating from Clarksville High School in 1967, he attended the University of Arkansas earning a B.A.,M.Ed., Ed.S, and Ed.D. He followed Arkansas Razorback sports from childhood, including the Heyday of 1960’s football, the “40 Minutes of Hell” of basketball through the “We Almost Always Almost Win” football era.
Dr. J was a retired educator. He taught English for seven years at Green Forest High School (the best job he ever had, according to him), was principal for five years at Lincoln High School, and completed his career as superintendent for four years at Greenland School District, fourteen years (including assistant and interim years) at Texarkana School District, and nine years at Harrison School District. Over the years he was involved with the Arkansas Leadership Academy, AAEA, AASA, Leadership Texarkana, Leadership Harrison, Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), the Harrison Community Task Force on Race Relations, and the Razorback Foundation. After retiring to God’s country in Fayetteville, he volunteered as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), as well as for the Arkansas Crisis Response Team, UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) and Washington County Democrats.
After a brief courtship, he and Julie began a 45-year “Springtime Forever” marriage. He loved his family passionately, entertaining his children with countless stories and sing-alongs on short drives and family vacations near and far where so many wonderful memories were made.
He is survived by his wife, Julie Moody, four children, Becky Moody and husband Mohammed El Hamzaoui, Christy Park and husband Joon, Josie Gordon and husband Matt, and Josh Moody and wife Erin. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Daxton and Olivia Moody; Linden and Rigby Park; Micah, Jadelyn, and Bo Gordon; and Joumana El Hamzaoui as well as his sister, Vickie Estes and husband Andy.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Friday, April 10,2026 with a
celebration service to follow at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville with Rev. Dr. Michael L. Mattox officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
To sign the online guest book please visit https://www.bernafuneralhomes.com.
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