Kelly Stark Moody

Kelly was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on August 24, 1948. As a member of an Air Force pilot’s family, he then moved around the world, eventually attending high school in Brussels, Belgium and Waco, Texas. He later attended Tulane University and studied abroad under a scholarship at the Sorbonne in Paris, before graduating from Kenyon College in Ohio.

A French teacher and a soccer and chess coach at Columbus Academy for 34 years, Kelly retired in 2007. His legacy is the positive influence he had on so many. Beyond his long and illustrious years at Academy, Kelly will be remembered as an incredibly talented artist. His passion and love of life are reflected in his paintings, poetry, and songs, providing touchstones to his heart and soul that will be enjoyed by many for generations.

Kelly dearly loved his family and friends, and enjoyed playing guitar, singing, playing chess, painting, watching birds, snorkeling, playing poker, having a good laugh, and listening to jazz, rum and coke in hand. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him will dearly miss him.

He is survived by his partner of 37 years, the love of his life Nyssa Pymer; Nyssa’s daughter and son-in-law Courtney and Randy Mackert; beloved granddaughters, Madelyn and Harper; sister, Kate Moody Holbert and her husband Bard and their daughter Brooke Holbert Lloyd and husband, Chad, and daughter, Parker; brother, Bruce Moody and his wife, Karen, and their oldest son, Paul and his wife Katie, their youngest son, Samuel Moody and his wife Anna, and their daughters, Charlotte and Olivia; and nephew, Trae Moody and his wife, Tara, and by his niece, Tiffin.

The family would like to thank The Gables of Westerville. Under the leadership of Executive Director, Abby Fowler, and Director of Nursing, Kandi Hughes, Kelly’s life was enhanced. He is grateful for all of you who cared for him in his final days, and for whom he expressed affection.

Kelly also received compassionate care from Capital City Hospice. He respected and felt such gratitude for Tracie, his personal care professional, and his Hospice RN, Jamey. The hospice nurses were, one and all, a blessing to the family of Kelly and we will be forever thankful.

A celebration of life memorial will be held at 4 PM on Sunday, April 16 at SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON 6699 N. High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085 with a reception to follow until 7 PM. Please come and toast Kelly with a rum and coke. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share a memory of Kelly.

In lieu of flowers, Kelly has requested that contributions may be made to Wild Wings Inc., a not-for-profit educational organization for permanently injured raptors. Bird of Prey Facility and Nature Center, 27 Pond Road, Honeoye Falls, New York, 14472. www.wildwingsinc.com