Throughout the life of Brian Moody, he tried to follow what he called his “grand plan.” That plan was to leave his community better than he found it. He accomplished that before his untimely passing in 2016. It will be two years this month since Moody succumbed to brain cancer, but his legacy is as still strong as ever. Helping to carry on that legacy, his wife Maribeth and their two sons have formed the William Brian Moody Foundation and have created William Brian Moody Foundation Charity Golf Tournament & Kentucky Derby Viewing Party and Raffle.
“The William Brian Moody Foundation was a way that our sons, Will and Ben and myself could remember Brian and continue his legacy of service to others. The idea for the golf tournament was introduced as a vehicle to raise money to support the work of the foundation.
There are two beneficiaries for the tournament: The William Brian Moody ’86 Memorial Scholarship at Clemson University and The Roper St. Francis Foundation Patient Assistance Fund.
The William Brian Moody ‘86 Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Moody with gifts from family and friends. The purpose of the fund is to provide awards to students majoring in accounting within the College of Business, who demonstrate outstanding academic performance as well as leadership involvement at Clemson.
“Clemson held a very special place in Brian’s heart,” says Maribeth. “He fostered that love of his alma mater in his sons Will and Ben. Brian was proud to say that his sons followed in his footsteps and were also graduates of the College of Business.” It is one of the goals of the foundation to continue to fund this annual scholarship at Clemson University for many years to come.
As for The Roper St. Francis Foundation Patient Assistance Fund, Maribeth says Brian received exceptional care at Roper St. Francis Hospital during his 17 1⁄2 months of treatment for the brain cancer glioblastoma.
“At every turn during those months, the staff at Roper St.Francis was patient, knowledgeable, and extended empathy and kindness,” says Maribeth. “That support provided great comfort for Brian and our family and we remain most grateful.”
The William Brian Moody Foundation has partnered with the Roper St. Francis Foundation to help raise money for the support of its cancer patients. Donations that are made will go directly into the Roper St. Francis Foundation Patient Assistance Fund. Those funds will help alleviate the financial burden of treatment for the men and women in our community facing cancer.
The golf tournament will be held Saturday, May 5 at The Club at Pine Forest in Summerville. Maribeth says the staff at Pine Forest has gone out of their way to welcome them and has done everything possible to ensure that the tournament is a huge success.
“The response from the Charleston community has been overwhelming for Will, Ben, and myself,” says Maribeth. “It is heart wrenching to not have Brian here in our lives and when people reach out and graciously donate their time, money, goods, and services in order to remember him and continue his legacy, we are comforted by the support and are so very thankful.”
Maribeth says they continue to actively pursue sponsorships, raffle items, and tournament participants. Because The William Brian Moody Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, gifts and sponsorships are tax-deductible.
While Moody himself did enjoy the game of golf, Maribeth says what he enjoyed more was the camaraderie out on the course and in the clubhouse. “We are carrying that theme of fellowship over into the William Brian Moody Foundation Charity Golf Tournament,” she says. “The tournament is being held on May 5, which is also the day of The Kentucky Derby. Brian was a huge fan of the Derby and what better way to remember him than to host a Kentucky Derby Watch Party immediately following the tournament in the clubhouse? It will be an awesome opportunity for all to enjoy the race, food, refreshments, and maybe even share a few great stories.”
And although the William Brian Moody Foundation Charity Golf Tournament will be held in Summerville, Moody was a West Ashley guy through and through.
“He just was West Ashley — born and bred. He loved this community and wanted it to be the best it could be,” says Brian’s brother Brantley Moody, who now serves on Charleston County Council. “He would have loved to have seen all of the initiatives going on now.”
Brantley Moody says the newer school buildings in Charleston that we see being built now are a legacy that his brother started that continues today.
“Brian was tough but fair and always had a way of setting people at ease. He was an amazing father, son, brother, and community leader. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about him. I miss him terribly,” he says.
In addition to his brother representing West Ashley on County Council, Moody’s father Bill currently serves on Charleston City Council, representing West Ashley. Public service seems to be a Moody family trait. In the 53 years of his life, Brian served the West Ashley and greater Charleston community in many different capacities. He sat on the Charleston County School Board from 1996-2008 and was the chairman from 1999-2000.
Like his father, Moody was the Chairman of the Board of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce 2005-2006, and served on the Board of Directors. He was also a member of Trident United Way’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society, SC Tax Realignment Committee, Governor’s Committee for school bus privatization, Volunteer Center Board of Directors, Operation Sight Board of Directors, Youth Services of Charleston, and The Mayor’s Children’s Cabinet.
The William Brian Moody Foundation Charity Golf Tournament & Kentucky Derby Viewing Party and Raffle will be held on Saturday, May 5 at The Club at Pine Forest, 1000 Congressional Blvd in Summerville. For more information, please contact Will Moody at 323-7729 or Ben Moody at 323-7730
