- Born on: July 2, 1948
- Departed on: March 8, 2026
- Resided in: Cedar Rapids, IA
Billie "Bill" Rex Moody
Billie “Bill” Rex Moody, 77, passed away on March 8, 2026 at his home with his family by his side. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at KOC 909.
Bill was born on July 2, 1948 in LaPorte City, Iowa and was the 4th child of Bill and Lucille (Helmick) Moody. He graduated from LPC High School in 1967.
In 1968, he was drafted and served in the US Army as an F5 cook in Ft. Lewis, Washington. Other career highlights included working for Rock Island Railroad and LeFebure Corp (2 blocks from his home so when he was working 2nd shift he could still have dinner break with his family). He managed the Elks Club in Cedar Rapids and House of Lords restaurant/bar in the Coralville Best Western and was a supervisor at Quality Chef Foods/Heinz.
One of his greatest accomplishments in his career was starting up Moody’s Country Deli in downtown Cedar Rapids. He was so proud of his daily specials and the unique, delicious sandwiches he made!
Bill married Jeanette in 1968 and they later divorced.
While driving down 2nd Street SE in front of the Ryan family home, Bill swerved to miss a squirrel and ended up meeting the love of his life, Kathy Ryan. They were married on January 29, 1975 in Rock Island, Illinois. Unfortunately, their 51st anniversary this year was spent in the hospital.
Bill endured several different health issues throughout his life, but the great memories and the friends he made along the way are overwhelming. He was very sociable and made friends wherever he went.
Bill was very adventurous and spent many years drag racing in his ’67 Chevy Camaro. He loved riding his Harley, go-karting, jet skiing, and cooking/baking for family and friends. Bill and Kathy had annual trips to Indianapolis on Labor Day to watch the US Nationals. For 20 years, they attended Summerfest in Milwaukee, went on 5 Rock Legends Cruises and too many concerts to even count! He loved planning their backyard parties, with food, drinks and even the occasional band.
Bill is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons, Brian (Rhonda), Tim (Annette) and Chris (Rachel). Also surviving are grandchildren, Anthony (Emily), Brittany, Tayler, Anna, and Abby; great-grandchildren, Carson, Max, Ella, and Lucas; his sisters, Caroline and Kay; and brothers, Ron (Mary) and Dennis (Sally).
He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant son, Tony; sisters, Joyce and Nancy; his brother, Larry; and nephews, Rodney and Brent.
Bill loved his dogs Buddy, Scooby, Johnny and Buster. Buster was always at his side or tucked under the blankets with him and was very protective.
He was full of witty sayings. Most famously “you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here!”
Memorial donations may be directed to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, Iowa 52242.
Bill was born on July 2, 1948 in LaPorte City, Iowa and was the 4th child of Bill and Lucille (Helmick) Moody. He graduated from LPC High School in 1967.
In 1968, he was drafted and served in the US Army as an F5 cook in Ft. Lewis, Washington. Other career highlights included working for Rock Island Railroad and LeFebure Corp (2 blocks from his home so when he was working 2nd shift he could still have dinner break with his family). He managed the Elks Club in Cedar Rapids and House of Lords restaurant/bar in the Coralville Best Western and was a supervisor at Quality Chef Foods/Heinz.
One of his greatest accomplishments in his career was starting up Moody’s Country Deli in downtown Cedar Rapids. He was so proud of his daily specials and the unique, delicious sandwiches he made!
Bill married Jeanette in 1968 and they later divorced.
While driving down 2nd Street SE in front of the Ryan family home, Bill swerved to miss a squirrel and ended up meeting the love of his life, Kathy Ryan. They were married on January 29, 1975 in Rock Island, Illinois. Unfortunately, their 51st anniversary this year was spent in the hospital.
Bill endured several different health issues throughout his life, but the great memories and the friends he made along the way are overwhelming. He was very sociable and made friends wherever he went.
Bill was very adventurous and spent many years drag racing in his ’67 Chevy Camaro. He loved riding his Harley, go-karting, jet skiing, and cooking/baking for family and friends. Bill and Kathy had annual trips to Indianapolis on Labor Day to watch the US Nationals. For 20 years, they attended Summerfest in Milwaukee, went on 5 Rock Legends Cruises and too many concerts to even count! He loved planning their backyard parties, with food, drinks and even the occasional band.
Bill is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons, Brian (Rhonda), Tim (Annette) and Chris (Rachel). Also surviving are grandchildren, Anthony (Emily), Brittany, Tayler, Anna, and Abby; great-grandchildren, Carson, Max, Ella, and Lucas; his sisters, Caroline and Kay; and brothers, Ron (Mary) and Dennis (Sally).
He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant son, Tony; sisters, Joyce and Nancy; his brother, Larry; and nephews, Rodney and Brent.
Bill loved his dogs Buddy, Scooby, Johnny and Buster. Buster was always at his side or tucked under the blankets with him and was very protective.
He was full of witty sayings. Most famously “you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here!”
Memorial donations may be directed to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, Iowa 52242.
