He received a Bachelor of Science in Information Management degree from the University of Arkansas in 1962.
He received a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army in June 1962 upon graduation from college.
He was nominated by President Bill Clinton on June 27, 1995, to a seat vacated by Henry Woods.
He assumed senior status on October 1, 2008, and retired on March 7, 2014.
Moody had previously indicated he would retire from the court when his son was confirmed by the Senate.