Warren Bradley Moody

Warren Bradley Moody “Brad”, 79, beloved husband, devoted father, and adoring "GaGa" was born on November 21, 1943 to Warren Debs and Maxine Bradley Moody in Gonzales, Texas and died Saturday, June 3, 2023 in Montgomery, Alabama.

Brad graduated from Giddings High School in 1962 and pursued his undergraduate education at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State) where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education, graduating in 1965 . During this time, Brad worked many hours as a manager for Southwest Texas football, basketball, and baseball. Brad met his beloved wife Margie in graduate school at the University of Texas and they were married in June 1969. Brad earned his PhD in Government from the University of Texas in 1979.

In 1972, Brad joined Auburn University Montgomery (“AUM”) as an associate professor of political science and public administration. He played an instrumental role in building the foundation for AUM's College of Sciences, Department of Political Science, and Masters of Public Administration program. During his distinguished 40 plus year career at AUM, Brad was a beloved faculty member and mentor to thousands of students. Like Margie, Brad loved to teach and his dedication to his students and fellow professors was evident to all. Brad's unwavering dedication to the university led him to serve in numerous roles on campus throughout his career. Brad was a member of the Faculty Senate, Athletics Committee, Institutional Review Board, and President of the Faculty Council. He also served as interim dean of AUM's College of Sciences and Chair of the Department of Political Science.

While at AUM, Brad became a well-known fixture in Alabama politics, serving as a media commentator on local, state, and national political issues. In 2013, Brad retired from AUM. Even in retirement, Brad served AUM in various teaching roles and supported university programs including his time as scorekeeper and statistician for AUM Basketball. Brad and Margie were longtime supporters of AUM Athletics and women's basketball. As participants in the women's basketball adoptive parent program, Brad and Margie served as "foster" parent to Sanna Hardin, a basketball player from Finland who quickly became a part of the family after living in their home while recovering from a knee injury.

For more than four decades, Brad has been an active member of First United Methodist Church and the Forester Sunday School class. Brad participated in many other church programs, supporting and enjoying all of the music programs. The Forester Class was a very special part of Brad and Margie's lives.

Brad's longtime membership in the Montgomery Sunrise Rotary Club was something for which he was very proud including his time serving as President.

Brad had a strong faith he lived by on a daily basis in everything he did. He loved the Forester Sunday School class which he taught on many occasions, was an active participant in the lively but always civil class discussions, and was always ready to be a part of supporting the class’s efforts to assist members and their families in times of need.

Brad’s faith was most evident in the 40 plus years he spent teaching. Brad was devoted to his students and they knew it. But they also knew they better do the work. He was able to pat them on the back when they were discouraged and in need of a friendly word but equally able to make it clear when their lack of success was their own fault. If they needed help, he gave it but if they needed tough love, that’s what they got.

Brad’s survivors include his son, Mark (Erika) and grandson, Knox, of Montgomery; Jane Moody, sister of Austin, Texas, Sally V. Haywood of Williamsville, New York and nieces Julia Haywood and Jennifer Haywood (Northern Virginia) and two great-nephews; Sanna Hardin (Andy) of Auburn; and numerous cousins and other family throughout Texas.

Brad’s family thanks Dr. Jack Evans and Dr. Jon Dailey for their care of Brad and Margie. They epitomize the best of the medical profession. Brad was fortunate to be their patient. We also want to thank the nurses, doctors, and other staff of the Intensive Care Units at Baptist Medical Centers East and South in Montgomery for their thoroughly professional and always compassionate care during Brad’s hospitalization. They are also examples of the best of the healthcare profession and made what was inevitably difficult so much easier. We wish we could list all of them, but they know who they are and we are grateful to them. The family is also extremely grateful for the love and support of the Forester Class during Brad’s brief illness and after he passed.

A celebration of Brad’s life will be held on Thursday, June 15th at 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery. Visitation will be at the church at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to one of these organizations: The Music Ministry of First United Methodist Church, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Montgomery, Alabama 36106; the Stegall Seminary Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 241661, Montgomery, Alabama; Montgomery; Montgomery Sunrise Rotary Club, P.O. Box 241813 Montgomery, AL 36124-1813; or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Leak-MC.com for the Moody family.