05/08/2026
Larry Dean Moody, age 88, of Shepherd, Michigan, passed away on March 1, 2026. Larry was born July 26, 1937, in Winamac, Indiana, the son of Clifford and Josephine Moody.
Larry was the beloved husband of Joyce (Sanders) Moody, sharing 67 years of marriage together after being united in marriage on October 19, 1958, in St. Louis, Michigan. Together they built a life centered around family, friendship, faithfulness, and community service.
Larry was a devoted father to Tawny (Kirk) Smith and Kelly (Kevin) Davis. He was a proud grandfather to Ryan (Janele) Smith and Ashlyn and Kameryn Davis, and a loving great-grandfather to Emilia and Pierce Smith. Larry also opened his heart and home to many foreign exchange students over the years, all of whom affectionately called him “Dad.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Josephine Moody; his sisters, Mary Lou Corbet, sister Sandy (Tom) Freeman, and Delores (Bob) Ferris; and his brother, Dudley (Alma) Moody; brother-in-law Terry Feltman; brother-in-law Gale Sanders his parents-in-law, Bud and Wilma Sanders.
Larry is survived by his wife Joyce; sister-in-law, Janet Feltman; sisters Martha Jane DePoy and Beth (Roger) Webster; sister-in-law Eileen Sanders; along with several nieces and nephews.
Larry proudly served his country as a veteran of the Korean War from 1954 until 1957 and later served in the Illinois National Guard from 1959 to 1967.
A dedicated businessman, Larry and his friend Frank Stone owned and operated a gas station, auto repair business, tool rental service, and U-Haul business in Orland Park, Illinois. He was also heavily involved in his community there, serving as President of the Orland Park Chamber of Commerce.
Larry was deeply committed to service organizations throughout his life. He was a member of Lions International for 56 years in both Orland Park, Illinois, and Shepherd, Michigan. Over the years, he served multiple terms as both president and vice president of the clubs and remained passionate about helping others through the Lions organization for 56 years.
After returning to Michigan to be closer to family, Larry, along with Joyce, Janet, and Terry Feltman, founded Mt. Pleasant Rental Center in Mt. Pleasant in 1978. He retired in 1999.
Following retirement, Larry and Joyce split their time between Shepherd and their homes in Englewood and Venice, Florida. Larry continued his spirit of service there as well, serving on the HOA board for the Japanese Gardens community for six years, including several years as HOA president.
Larry enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He loved golfing, playing card games, working Sudoku puzzles and games on his iPad, and taking day trips with close friends. His golfing buddies and many dear friends will miss him greatly.
In keeping with Larry’s giving spirit, memorial contributions may be made to the Shepherd Lions Club, WCMU Public Broadcasting (1999 East Campus Dr., Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858), or Tidwell Hospice Foundation (220 Waxford Blvd., Venice, FL 34293, 941-552-5900).
Cremation has taken place and there will be a graveside held at Salt River Cemetery Monday, June 8 at 11A.M. with a celebration of life to follow at “The Wright Place” (550 W Wright Ave., Shepherd, MI 48883) event center in Shepherd. Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.