Theodore “Ted” Moll, a former Indianola resident who led Modern Line Products for many years, is being remembered for his leadership and community service.
Moll died Nov. 12 at the age of 83.
Moll, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, moved to Indianola in 1972 when MTD Products appointed him plant manager of Modern Line Products. He later advanced to general manager, overseeing operations during a period of significant growth for the Indianola facility. Former colleagues remember him as a steady leader who deeply valued the employees and families connected to the plant.
Moll spent nearly two decades in Indianola, becoming a familiar figure in the community before transferring to Tupelo in 1989. Even after his move, he continued overseeing the Indianola plant while taking on broader roles within MTD’s Aircap divisions in Mississippi and South Carolina. He eventually rose to Executive Vice President of Global Operations, responsible for the company’s manufacturing, supply chain and quality assurance worldwide.
Born Oct. 18, 1942, Moll grew up in the greater Cleveland area and graduated from Fairview Park High School. He earned a degree in mathematics from Wittenberg University, where he rekindled his romance with his future wife, Theodora “Lynn” Roberts. The couple married in 1965 and celebrated 60 years together.
Moll’s more than 50-year long career with MTD began with hands-on assembly line work and a tool and die apprenticeship. His leadership style, shaped in part by lessons from his father, emphasized respect, responsibility and service.
While Moll and his wife settled in Tupelo later in life, their community impact extended statewide. They devoted countless hours to civic and nonprofit work, including the development and ongoing support of the Talbot House in Tupelo, a sober living program for women. In 2022, they received the Regional Rehabilitation Center’s Red Raspberry Humanitarian Award for their contributions.
Moll served on numerous boards across North Mississippi, including the Community Development Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of North Mississippi, Boy Scouts’ Yocona Area Council, United Way, North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Rust College, and several corporate boards.
He is remembered by family, friends and former colleagues as a man of deep faith, sharp intellect and abiding kindness and as a leader who valued people as much as productivity.
Moll is survived by his wife, Lynn; two daughters, Laura Knight (Stanton) and Erin Moll; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings; and extended family.
A Service of Death and Resurrection was held Wednesday, Nov. 19, at First United Methodist Church in Tupelo.
Memorials may be made to Talbot House, 2477 Boatner Drive, Belden, MS 38826, or the Regional Rehabilitation Center, 615 Pegram Drive, Tupelo, MS 38801.
