Dr. Hays Watson Moody January 5th, 2026

Dr. Hays Watson Moody, 84, of Jacksonville, FL went home to be with the Lord, Monday January 5th, 2026. Watson was born in Penny Farms Florida in Clay County on May 19th, 1941 where he continued to live until he graduated from Clay High School. He later joined the United States Army and after 9 years of service, he was honorably discharged on December 22nd, 1970 as Captain while serving as the 1542 Infantry Unit Commander. Years later, after earning his doctorate in theology, Dr. Moody served as the pastor for multiple Florida churches, preaching for Edgewood Heights Baptist Church as his last home church, having served there for 27 years.

He loved his family deeply and is survived by: his children Janice Cooner Cieplinski (Richard Cieplinski), Todd Webster Gamel, Dianne Lampp (Gene Lampp), Tina Payne and Teri Starling (Mike Starling). 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. His sisters Charlotte Williams, Mary (Donald) Lee, his brother Gerald (Linda) Moody and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Watson was preceded in death by: his mother Merlin Moody, his father Arthur Moody Senior, his wife of 50 years Louise Moody, his son Randy Moody, his brother Arthur Moody Junior and his sister Bernice Tidwell.

Watson was a dedicated servant of the Lord. He was steadfast in the Word of God, living his daily life in a way that allowed God’s love and mercy to shine through him. He loved his wife deeply, spending 50 years together serving each other and the church in any way they could. Watson played basketball in high school and loved to follow sports throughout his life, cheering for the Florida Gators and Chicago White Sox as his favorite teams. All of his family fondly called him Poppy and he loved to spend time with each of them individually when possible.

Watson’s services will be held Wednesday January 14th 2026 as follows:

Edgewood Heights Baptist Church 4011 Gilmore Street, Jacksonville, FL 32205

Family Viewing: 9:00am-10:00am

Public Viewing: 10:00am-11:00am

Funeral Service: 11:00am

Food in reception hall following the service

National Cemetery 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218

Graveside Service with military honors: 2:30pm