Charles Moody

Charles "Doug" Darrell Moody, 75, of Flat Top, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Monday, January 20, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Doug was born on December 9, 1950, to the late Regina Beatrice Bolen Moody and Charles Moody. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rebecca Ellen Moody; grandson, Michael Shane Moody; and brother, Rodney Moody.

He is survived by his devoted daughter and caretaker, Barbara Lynn Moody-Wood, and her partner, Steven Brent Blankenship; his son, Charles Darrell Moody II and his spouse, Anita Moody. His cherished grandchildren include Amber LeAnne Warden and her husband, Eric Warden, along with Amber's mother, Kim Biggs; Sarah Marie Justice Wood and her fiancé, Daniel Frese; Cole Moody; and his adopted grandson, Evan Harbour. Charles also leaves behind four adored great-grandchildren: Hunter Warden, Kooper Warden, Cody Warden, and Landen Kizer. He is further survived by his brother, Rick Moody, and sister-in-law, Connie Moody, and his favorite cousin, Tom Meadows.

Charles served his country honorably in the United States Navy as a Corpsman during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he worked as a Physical Therapy Specialist at the VA Hospital, where he helped countless veterans recover with his unique blend of compassion and no-nonsense Appalachian charm. Charlie briefly ventured into coal mining—until a mishap cost him two fingers, an incident he turned into a source of comedy for the rest of his life. Depending on his audience, the story of how he lost them often varied, with his personal favorite being, "My wife cut them off." Deciding that ten fingers weren't a job requirement but safety might be, Charlie transitioned to a steadier career with the power company AEP. He retired in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, a sharp wit, and eight fingers intact.

A pillar of his community, Doug dedicated much of his time to mentoring children through sports. He volunteered with the Little League programs in Mercer and Raleigh counties, as well as at Independence High School, where the stadium proudly bears the Moody family name. Many summers were spent on the ballfield with a "Cowboy Killer" in hand, amber-tinted aviators, and his blonde mustache twitching with every colorful curse aimed at home team blunders. His blend of tough love and passion for the game left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure (or misfortune) of playing under his watchful eye.

Doug's love for sports didn't end when the games did. Down at the family river camp on the Greenbrier, summer nights often echoed in the large, one-room cabin with sounds of Charlie and his brothers calling imaginary games in their sleep. "Strike!" would be met with "Bull****!" followed by a "Are you blind?"

Charlie loved many things; among them (in no particular order): baseball, hotdogs, apple pie, Chevrolet (well, actually Ford), scratch-off lottery tickets, YouTube documentaries, Chinese food, bluegrass music, Marlboro Reds, football, fishing, Westerns, Gunsmoke, his cat George (depending on the day), aggressively correcting TV game officials, Old No. 7, his Koi fish pond, Tudor's Biscuit World, and more than anything else, spending time with his family. He had a passion for life, with a mischievous sparkle that never left his lively blue eyes. That playful spirit shone brightest when he played cards, where he'd humbly win nearly every hand, leaving his opponents both surprised and in awe. True to his nature as a mentor, he'd then take great pleasure in teaching them exactly why they lost.

To those fortunate enough to know him, Charlie was unforgettable—a man with the warmest heart and meanest streak. He could light up a room with his quips or a perfectly timed Appalachianism, embodying the spirit of his mountain culture. A real-life version of Yosemite Sam, he was a fighter until the very end.

A heartfelt thank you to the VA hospital, nurses, doctors, support staff, and Betty Ross, his dedicated home health worker and friend, for dealing with his antics and providing him with compassionate care throughout the years.

Charles will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

The family will greet friends who want to celebrate the life of Charles on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home at 729 Flat Top Rd, Shady Spring, WV from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Funeral Services will be held at 2:30 pm in the Chapel of the Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home with the Reverend Tommy Dove officiating. Burial will follow the service in the Okes Family Cemetery in Flat Top, WV.

Flowers may be sent to Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, or memorial donations made to the Veterans Administration (VA).

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook. Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home Shady Spring Chapel, 729 Flat Top Road, Shady Spring, WV.