Murray M. Moody, 87, of Londonderry, NH died Sunday June 9, 2024 at Catholic Medical Center, Manchester, NH. He was born on September 7, 1936 in Derry, a son of the late Frederick and Leila (Plummer) Moody, and had lived in Londonderry most of his life. Murray was a graduate of Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH, Class of 1956.
For many years, Murray worked as an autobody technician and painter- most recently at Gladstone Ford in Londonderry, NH. He married Edith Kezer in 1959. He served in the Army National Guard out of Grenier Field from 1957 to 1961.
Murray loved wheels! His dream was to be an Indy 500 race car driver. He would build and drag race cars like his ‘32 Ford Roadster and his ‘40 Ford Coupe. He combined his loved of wheels with travel, going cross country with his buddy Wayne Leighton in 1960 on his 1948 Triumph. The following year he took Edith across the US and into Mexico in their Ford Coupe.
Murray loved racing ever since he heard the roar of the cars at the nearby Manchester Motordrome from his bedroom at home. He would sneak out and watch the races as a kid. Later, he built and raced stock cars at the Motordrome himself.
Murray also was involved in motorcycle racing, racing sidecars and enduros. One of his favorite trips was a touring expedition with bikes and friends Bob Morneau, Jack Thomas and Jim Currier to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in the late 1970's.
Murray took up dirt track racing by sponsoring Mark Thomas on a brand new Ossa ST-1. They raced at Bryar Motorsport Park in Loudon, NH and Bear Ridge Speedway in Vermont in the late 1970's. Their racing brought them to Florida and Illinois, among other places.
In 1993 Murray created and managed Triple M Racing team. He sponsored many riders throughout the years, including; Don Veitch, Leo Vadnais, Troy Estabrook, Jay Paquette, Dean Donnell, Samantha Slingerland and John Pinard. All dirt track racers would go on to receive a number one plate in their class!! Many successful and exciting times were enjoyed by everybody that raced and knew him!!
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Edith (Kezer) Moody of Londonderry; son, Mark Thomas of Manchester; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his son, James M. Moody in 1976.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, June 17th from 2 - 5pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A service will follow at 5:00pm in the funeral home. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 18th at 11:00am in Pleasant View Cemetery, Mammoth Rd., Londonderry.