SMU remembers Robert L. ‘Bobby’ Moody, Sr., longtime SMU supporter and chairman emeritus of the Moody Foundation

SMU mourns the loss of Robert L. ‘Bobby’ Moody, Sr., who passed away on November 7, 2023, at the age of 88. Known for his exceptional leadership, Moody is honored for his business acumen, his love for his family and his lasting commitment and generosity across the state of Texas.

“We are saddened by the loss of Robert Moody, whose spirit and legacy will always be remembered within the SMU community,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner. “He was highly respected, and his impact will be felt all over Texas. He will be missed.”

Moody is the grandson of W.L. Moody, Jr. and Libbie Shearn Moody, founders of the Moody Foundation. SMU and the Moody Foundation have celebrated a long partnership which has seen the creation of SMU facilities such as Fondren Science Building in Dedman College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Owen Arts Center in Meadows School of the Arts, and the renovated Moody Coliseum. In 2019, the foundation gifted SMU with $100 million to build Frances Anne Moody Hall and establish the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

In addition to the foundation’s support of SMU, Moody’s ties to the university are numerous. He generously contributed his time to many initiatives and is a former member of the Dedman College executive board (1988-1991).

His daughter, Frances Moody-Dahlberg ’92, is a current SMU trustee.  His mother, Frances Lambert Russell Moody, also attended SMU.

Robert Moody’s family obituary and funeral service information is available here.