History of the Restoration Movement

Robert Neal Moody

1851-1935

Gospel Advocate Obituary

R. N. Moody departed from this world the morning of September 3, 1935. John T. Lewis, Gardner Hall, W. F. McCollough, and I conducted the funeral at the home in Albertville, Ala.

Brother Moody was born August 12, 1852, in Coweta County, Ga. He was just past eighty-three. He had been a strong, energetic man until a short time before his death. He had an appointment to hold a meeting the week of his death. His son, Frank, was conducting this meeting when he received the news of his fathers death.

Benjamin Franklin Moody and Martha Neal Moody were the parents of R. N. Moody. His father died in the war between the North and the South. Thus the responsibilities that fell on R. N., a boy of ten, kept him from having opportunities of securing an education. However, he did have an excellent practical education, which he secured by intensive study and close observation. His language as a speaker was good. His logic was excellent.

He was the first of his family to obey the gospel, which he did when a very young man, and which was against the wishes of his parents.

In 1871 he married Miss Eliza Ann Hester. Sister Moody was one of the finest women I have ever known. She was a wonderful preachers wife. She sacrificed and worked that Brother Moody might go into the byways to preach the gospel. She lived to a ripe old age, having given to the world some of the finest sons and daughters in this country.

Brother Moody began preaching in 1875, beginning a sixty-year period of preaching. For a long time he was a preacher-farmer. Most of his preaching was done in destitute places. He has preached in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Virginia. In 1892 he moved from Georgia to a farm near Albertville, Ala. It was while living on this or a near-by farm that he began to write unice Lloyd, which he finished in 1909 after he had moved to the town of Albertville. The writing of this book really places him high among the authors of the brotherhood. The book has been widely read, and no doubt has helped many to understand the Bible better.

In 1914, Brother Moody moved to Dunlap, Tenn., preaching there and at Pikeville. Three years later he went to Chattanooga, where, as usual, he spent his time preaching and teaching. He helped to start the Ridgedale congregation.

In 1920 he moved back to Albertville, where he lived and preached for the home congregation and in the churches, schoolhouses, tents, and brush arbors of the surrounding country.

Brother Moody was no ordinary man. His understanding of the Bible was extraordinary. His chief attributes were his sincerity, simplicity, and loyal devotion to the church and its head, Jesus Christ.

Two sons and two daughters, their children, and a multitude of friends survive him. One son, Frank, is an able preacher. The other son, Floyd, is an apt teacher and leader in the Albertville Church. Mrs. Luna Riggs and Miss Florence are the two loyal Christian daughters.

Carl G. Smith, Gospel Advocate, March 5, 1936, page 236.

Gospel Advocate Obituary For Mrs. R.N. Moody

Sixty-two years is seemingly a long time for husband and wife to be permitted to journey together, sharing the varied interests of life; but when separation comes and the remaining one looks back over the time of their sojourn, it seems unto him but a few days for the love he had for her. My companion and I were married August 24, 1871, and she was called away, to return no more, January 26, 1934, being in her ninetieth year. Notwithstanding our long walk together and her having lived well past the time allotted to man, her death seemed premature, and that our association was cut short. Being left alone, it is a sweet, sad satisfaction in my reminiscent moments to recall the incidents of joy and pleasure, pain and sorrow that we experienced together; but the only solid comfort I find is to look forward to the day of reunion in that clime where death and sorrow never come. The only fears I have are: Will I be ready for that great day? In early life she joined the Missionary Baptist Church, but after our marriage, she, having learned the way of the Lord more perfectly, took her stand with the church of Christ, and was faithful to its services. She was of a retiring nature, entirely free from ostentation, seemingly not affectionate; but no truer heart ever beat for the objects of its love. She was the mother of six childrenfour sons and two daughters. All but one son survive. Her illness kept her in bed for two months. The Lord seemed to smile upon us, for during that time she felt no pain, slept well, ate her meals regularly, enjoyed her company, and directed affairs around the house. Our neighbors and friends were very kind. Funeral services were conducted by Carl G. Smith.

R. N. Moody., Albertsville, Ala., Gospel Advocate, April 5, 1934, page 344.

Gospel Advocate Obituary For Florence Moody

Having been blessed of the Lord to live on his good earth for ninety-three years, Florence Moody, daughter of the late R. N. Moody, author of the much read Eunice Loyd, on July 1, 1971 closed her eyes in death.

During her tenure of service in his kingdom Sister Moody influenced untold numbers for good. Having judged her worthy, many of the pioneers lodged in her home while evangelizing throughout Marshall County, Alabama and surrounding areas. For thirty-five consecutive years she taught a ladies Bible class in the North Broad church if Albertville, Ala. Her tender spirit, her unusual knowledge of the word of God, and her obvious love for his church inspired all who associated with her in this life. Mingled with the profound sorrow experienced in this loss of another Dorcas (Acts 9:36), is a sense of gratitude for having known and loved a faithful saint of God. The emotions of joy and thanksgiving are felt that none could say aught against her beautiful life in Christ, and that she, being dead, yet speaketh.

It is the judgment of this writer that no one among the saints of this vicinity was loved or admired more than our faithful sister, Florence Moody. (Picture included)

R. W. Gray, Gospel Advocate, July 22, 1971, page 463.

Directions To The Grave of R.N. Moody

Take I-59 to Exit 183. Head west on Hwy. 431 through Atalla toward Albertville. In Albertville, the Memorial Hill Cemetery will be on your left. Enter the cemetery and take the second right. At the fourth drive on the left you will see 3rd Street. Near the corner of the section you will see the Moody plot.

GPS Location
34.261567,-86.191958

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Memory Hill Cemetery, Albertville, Alabama