Ralph Follmer Moody

Lt. Col. Moody was a career officer, head of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program at Clearwater High School, and longtime resident of Palm Harbor. He was born August 19, 1930, in Middletown, Connecticut. Ralph grew up in Middletown where he graduated from Wesleyan University.

After graduation, Ralph was commissioned in the Marine Corps, serving from 1952 to 1973. His career included numerous artillery duty assignments including Battery Commander in heavy rockets, Fire Support Coordinator and Battalion Commander. He served a combat tour in Vietnam. Among his decorations for meritorious achievements were the Bronze Star with Combat V and Navy Commendation Medal.

In over 20 years on active duty, Ralph performed additional assignments outside his artillery specialty including Company Commander at the Recruit Depot San Diego, graduate of the Naval War College, Officer Selection Officer recruiting new officers, and research member and author at the Marine Corps History Division.

Following retirement Ralph headed the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program at Clearwater High School from 1973 to 1993. His students learned the essential patriotic values and leadership skills he garnered as a Marine.

Ralph was a military historian who loved God, his family and his country. He enjoyed handball, marksmanship, hunting, snow skiing, running with his sons, music, traveling, reading, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Lydia; three sons, Geoff (Christina), Chris (Janice) and Jeremy; grandchildren, Irene (Gabe), Matt (Rachel), Jared (Andi), Dan and Ken (Viviana); and great-grandchildren, Margaret, Alan, Oliver, Colin, William, Eleanor, Grace and Valerie.

Ralph will be interred at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. A celebration of life service will be held at Lutheran Church of the Palms, 2250 Nebraska Ave. in Palm Harbor, on February 2, 2025 at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Lutheran Church of the Palms or a charity of your choice.