Lamar Jarail Moody III, affectionally known as Marrie or Moose by his family, extended family and friends, passed away on Dec. 2, 2022 following a lengthy illness. He was 63.

Mr. Moody was born July 23, 1959 at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. to Jeanie Moody (Willis) and Lamar J. Moody Jr. When he was a small child, his mother returned to her home in Ohio where he was raised in Xenia and Cedarville. He attended both Cedarville and Xenia city Schools during his life.

Mr. Moody had many hobbies growing up , including all things music and roller skating. He learned to roller skate at a very young age and was also a self-taught drummer. His first set of drums were the pots and pans from the family’s kitchen. During his teenage years, he played drums for the Soldier and Soldierettes drill team in Xenia and later played drums for the Linden Center drum Corp in Dayton. Both the drill team and drum corps won several trophies under Lamar’s leadership.

His love for music grew as he got older, when he learned how to mix music using two turntables. He practiced for hours on end learning the technique of mixing using only two “Five Minutes of funk “ records. He enjoyed using his skills to entertain his friends and family. He then became one of the hottest DJs in the Dayton area, and became a member of the rap group “Dr. Ease & the East Town Posse,” where he received the name “DJ Mix.” Once the group disbanded, He and some of his long-time friends created the rap group “Slamm Syndicate”. Being involved in the music industry, he had the opportunity to record music and tour around the country.

Mr. Moody would then become involved in harness racing after his grandfather (Kenneth Willis) and his uncles (Jake, David and Dennis Willis) would take him to the horse races in Lebanon and Scioto where he grew to love the sport. He successfully trained racehorses throughout Ohio and surrounding states for many years. He was an active member of the Ohio Harness Horseman’s Association and The Unites States Trotting Association.

Mr. Moody was always known for having a big heart and enjoyed making people laugh. Everyone knew that they could always count on him for a plate of food and a couch to sleep on. He enjoyed having countless family summertime BBQ’s and decorating for his Christmas Blowup extravaganza.

Mr. Moody is survived by his lifetime companion Donna Williams; his children: Marra Walker (Raymond) of Trotwood; Gary Brown of Xenia; Travion Jones of Dayton; Danielle Williams of Xenia; Tercel Falson of FL; Deja Williams (Brentton) of Trotwood; and Jordan Preston of Dayton; 12 grandchildren: James Oliver Jr., Anyla Oliver, Taylor Oliver, Daryl Cooper III, Destinee Cooper, Dreyonna Mckinnon, Travion Jones Jr. , Ella Christ and Fuzzar Preston; and siblings: Pamela Moody-McNeil (LeRoy); Alicia Lewis (John); Rhonda Moody (Sherman); Teresa Moody-Brown (Archie) and Steven Moody (Tina); special sisters Jean Nooks, Tiffanee Jones; special great-nephew Stephen Moody Jr.; Very Close Aunt’s Sue Nelson and Vicki Willis and Honorary brothers Robert Moore Sr, Terrence Williams, Glen Jones, Tony Heard, Bruce Rapp and Dewey Snyder. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Mr. Moody was preceeded in death by his father Lamar J. Moody Jr. , his uncles Dennis, Jake and David Willis, his aunts Patty Echols and Dorthy Marie Brown, nephews; Stephen Moody, Efrim Goldsmith and DeLonte McNeil.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday (Dec. 16) 12-2pm at United A.M. E Church in Xenia, OH. Following the services, please join the family for a “Moose” style celebration at Bellbrook Event Center 784 Bellbrook Ave, Xenia, OH 45385.

Professional services entrusted to W.E. Lusain Funeral Home and Crematory-Dayton