Eric James Moody, 71, of Woodbridge, Virginia, passed away at home on Friday, March 26, 2021 after a bravely-fought battle with cancer over the course of several years.
A memorial gathering will be held at a future date. A graveside remembrance service for the family will also be held during the summer at Barnum Cemetery in Mayfield, Michigan.
Eric was born in Anderson, Indiana on December 3, 1949 to Sigurd V. Moody and Jane Ann Reichard Moody. He grew up in Indiana and Illinois until he was 14 years old, when his father entered the U.S. Foreign Service and the family moved to Pakistan. While there, Eric had an opportunity to fly in a glider, which ignited a lifelong interest in aviation. After Pakistan, the family moved to Turkey, where Eric graduated from George Marshall High School in Ankara. He also joined his parents for several months in India later on. Throughout his life, he returned to his family’s Michigan roots and spent summer vacations at a cottage built by his grandparents on Arbutus Lake in Mayfield.
Eric attended Northwestern Michigan College, where he earned his private pilot’s license. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1970 and became an aviation electrician.
On July 21, 1973, Eric married Grace Higginbottom of Royal Oak, Michigan. They made their home in Washington, DC for several years until they moved to Woodbridge, and their daughter, Ingrid Browning Moody, was born.
Eric was a self-directed, independent and creative person who pursued a variety of interests throughout his life and was generally self-taught. He was always curious and questioning, devoting himself fully to new interests. Upon leaving the Navy, he attended Pilchuck Glass School near Seattle, WA and opened a stained glass studio in Alexandria, VA. He created numerous commissions, including a remarkably large lampshade depicting historic homes in Alexandria that hung in an Old Town restaurant. In addition, he sponsored workshops with nationally-known glass artists. He became interested in computers and subsequently pursued a lifelong passion for technology, working for several years as a computer programmer and systems analyst. He also enjoyed driving a school bus for Prince William County Public Schools.
Eric had an adventurous spirit and a great love for bicycling. He completed several 100-mile “century” rides with friends. He was an avid drone enthusiast with certification from the FAA.
A quiet and friendly person, Eric enjoyed his family relationships over all others. We will miss his gentle humor and loving presence, not to mention the way he could always solve our technology-related problems!
Eric was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Timothy. He is survived by his wife, Grace Higginbottom; his daughter, Ingrid LaRiviere; his grandson, Milo LaRiviere; and his sisters, Ann Elise Schneider of Alexandria, VA, Christine Waller of Harrisonburg, VA, and Beth Knox of Vancouver, BC, Canada, as well as nephews and nieces.
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Germanna Community College (GCC) hosted a ribbon cutting at its new Stafford expansion today, January 23, 2025. The event marked the opening of two buildings in Stafford: the Barbara J. Fried Building at 10 Center Street and the Kevin L. Dillard Health Sciences Building at 25 Center Street.
GCC was established in 1970 as part of Virginia’s Community College System and has locations in Culpeper, Locust Grove, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. The school’s website says over 13,000 students are enrolled.
The new expansion added 74,000 square feet to the campus with a $20 million investment. GCC plans to double enrollment in allied health services, like nursing. They will also expand their cybersecurity, IT, general education, and dual enrollment programs.
The preliminary hearing for Tryevon Davis, one of three men charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 43-year-old Jason Thomas Blake in Dumfries, has been delayed due to the pending completion of the Medical Examiner’s report. This critical evidence is being handled by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Northern District office.
Davis, along with Jerrome Thomas Barnes, 40, and Jackson Arthur Crisler, 30, face charges stemming from a fatal shooting on October 25, 2024. Police said Blake had gone to a residence on Cherry Hill Road in Dumfries to sell a firearm and purchase narcotics. An altercation ensued, leading to Blake being handcuffed, abducted, and taken to a secluded area along Triangle Street, where he was fatally shot. His body was discovered two days later in the backseat of his car.
The Prince William County Police Department charged Davis, 31, of Dumfries, with accessory before the fact in the commission of a felony, conspiracy to commit a felony, two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and abduction. Barnes and Crisler face additional charges, including murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. All three suspects remain in custody without bond.
The Fourth Wish Foundation will hold a special white belt graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Underground Krav Maga and Fitness in Gainesville.
The event celebrates the achievements of 54 children who have completed three months of Krav Maga training as part of the foundation’s “Healthy Kid Initiative,” a program launched in 2024 to provide extracurricular opportunities to children from financially challenged families.
“We want to ensure these children can continue with this worthy program that has already made such a positive impact on their lives,” said Sue Khalatbari, Director of The Fourth Wish Foundation. The foundation is seeking donations to sustain and expand the initiative, helping more children gain confidence, physical fitness, and critical life skills.
A debate over proposed legislation targeting panhandling in road medians sparked a spirited discussion among Stafford County Supervisors during their January 21 meeting. The proposed bill, sponsored by Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County), seeks to impose fines on motorists and pedestrians who exchange items in roadway medians to improve safety and reduce traffic disruptions.
The legislation was also a topic of discussion on the Potomac Local News Podcast, where Milde elaborated on his rationale behind the bill in an interview with Publisher Uriah Kiser.
During the podcast, Milde emphasized the safety and traffic issues posed by panhandling in medians.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
