Dr. David Jesse Moody II

Spartanburg, SC — Dr. David J. Moody II, age 63, passed away August 22, 2026, surrounded by the family he built and raised. His kind, generous, loving, and capable spirit is carried on by his wife, Jill Clary Moody; his sons, David Jesse Moody III and Drayton “Mac” Moody; his daughter-in-law, Kathleen Worthy Moody; his mother, Jeannette Riggs Moody; his brother and sister, Scott and Kimberly; and his two grandchildren, Kathleen Clary “KC” Moody and McDaniel Ann “Macy” Moody.

David built his life in Spartanburg, attending Wofford College, where he earned a B.S. in chemistry. After earning his Ph.D. in physical organic chemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology and marrying Jill, he spent 33 years building an executive career at Milliken before becoming CEO of Jadex. After “retirement,” he continued to consult and to impact businesses nationwide.

He was a pillar of the community. He served on the foundation board of the Charles Lea Center, taught as an adjunct professor of chemistry at Wofford when needed, and sat on the college’s President’s Advisory Board. At Georgia Tech, he served on the College of Sciences External Advisory Board. He was a Liberty Fellow and Chairman of the South Carolina Research Authority. A brilliant mind, he held multiple patents, and his accomplishments were too numerous to count. Beyond all of it, he was an avid gardener, feeder of birds, winemaker, and sportsman.

Most importantly, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Known to his grandchildren as “Two,” he adored his most important job. Hanging scarves from a fan for his grandgirls to grab gave him more joy than any position he ever held. Two would do anything to make them smile. He loved and was loved by his in-laws, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He adored his wife, children, and grandchildren more than anything. His kindness, generosity, love, and capable, steadfast nature radiated from everything he took part in.

A memorial service for David will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, August 27, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg. A celebration will follow immediately next door at the Piedmont Club.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to "The Jill and David Moody Endowed Scholarship Fund" c/o Wofford College Office of Philanthropy & Engagement, 429 N. Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303 or Georgia Tech’s Jill and David Moody Fellowship Endowment Fund in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry.