James “Moby” Smith Carney was born on December 9, 1953, in Crossville, Tennessee to Juanita Marie Cline and James Julius Carney.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents; brothers: Lawrence Carney Morgan and David Carney; sister: Barbara Carney Morgan (Johnston); sister: Patricia Sue Farmer Wilson; and his beloved grandparents: Nanny (Myra Sauceman) and Papaw (Oscar Cline).

Moby attended Cumberland County High School where he first showed his love of music by playing the saxophone in the band. While he was young, James used to love to hang out at the Cumberland Mountain State Park by his home. He would help clean up and run errands for the lifeguards who let him in for free and gave him the nickname of Moby. James was known as Moby forever after that. Moby started his first radio job at WCSV in Crossville playing gospel music on Sundays. After graduating in 1971, he started Belmont College (now University) in Nashville to become a high school band director and majored in music education. A year and a half later, that was over. Moby decided he would rather be in radio-and it was the beginning of a radio legend.

In 1973, Moby was in Nashville playing big band music at WAMB when there was an opening across town at WKDF for Alan Steed. Five years later, he moved to another station, Rock 106 WKQB. In 1981, Moby moved to Tampa Bay’s 98 Rock WQXR to do the evening show.

Later in 1981, Alan Sneed hired Moby to do afternoons at 97 Rock KSRR. After 9 months, he was moved to mornings to replace Catfish Crouch. Moby was teamed with John Matthews and Hannah Storm. He knew he was making an impact when at the Who concert, Moby introduced himself and the crowd went crazy. His catch phrase of “Get your lazy asses out of bed” was a staple of his show. He supported many charities including the Leukemia Society, March of Dimes, Easter Seals, MADD, and Muscular Dystrophy. Moby loved to sing the national anthem for sporting events, and he did so for the Texas Rangers, the Astros, Rockets, and the Mavericks. He coined the names of Pasa-get-down-dena and the Nolan Ryan Expressway. He even got to catch Nolan Ryan in batting practice.

In 1986, Moby moved to Dallas for KEGL. This is when he received national attention when he was on Oprah and Nightline with Ted Koppel. Director Oliver Stone asked him to work on his movie, “Talk Radio.” When Moby asked if he would get a credit, Oliver replied, “Do you want one?” Dang right! And Moby got his credit.

It was back to Houston in 1988 to 97 Rock’s rival KLOL. He was paired with Lanny Griffith for the afternoon drive. It was during his days at KLOL that Moby went on the Rolling Stone’s “Steel Wheels” tour throughout Europe.

In 1991, Moby made the jump to Atlanta and the country format. At WKHX, his morning show was legendary. From 1993 to 1998, ABC syndicated his WKHX morning show in 38 markets. Moby continued his significant charity work in Atlanta including Special Olympics, Para Olympics, Make a Wish Foundation, Starlight Children’s Foundation, and many others. He was recognized by Georgia Governor Zell Miller for his efforts against child abuse. Moby was a huge support of Military forces and numerous police and sheriff agencies. He was named an honorary police officer and sheriff by many organizations.

His awards include Billboard’s Major Market DJ of the year 5 times, and AMC Major Market DJ of the year in 1999. Moby was also twice nominated for CMA “Major Market Morning Show of the Year.” He was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2012, Georgia Radio Hall of Fame in 2011, and Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2022.

In 2001, Moby married his forever sweetheart, Mary Beth Schweikhardt. Together, they had a daughter, Grace Marie. Moby was a wonderful father to both his children and loved his family deeply. He treasured family moments the most.

When WKHX decided not to renew his contract in 2002, he started his own syndicated show which ran for 12 years. His slogan was “The biggest small town in America.” Moby finally hung up his microphone in 2016. Even in retirement, Moby worked to support many charities and friends.

Moby loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, sky diving, flying, and race car driving.

He was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2023, which eventually took his life. If anything can be remembered of Moby is that he lived big, loved big, gave to others, laughed, and celebrated life every day.

He is survived by his beloved wife: Mary Beth; son: Jonah Ryan; and daughter: Grace Marie.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Roswell Street Baptist Church in Marietta. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home’s Historic Marietta Chapel in Marietta, Georgia is handling the arrangements.