Maurice Sparky Edwin Moore Jr.

Maurice Edwin (Sparky) Moore, Jr., a true "man for others," died May 10, 2016. Born October 20, 1944, in Little Rock, Arkansas, he was big-hearted, unpretentious and possessed a noble, loving spirit. He coveted family above all else.

Sparky was fair and astute in matters of business, but with an unmatched gentle and generous human nature. He was happiest in the company of family and friends while quietly investing in the welfare of others.

A dedicated husband to high school sweetheart, Dian, a devoted father and grandfather with a deep, infectious laugh, he relished his role as the “Spark Master” when spending many hours chaperoning his daughter Brandy and her collection of friends on their adventures and sharing his love of racing and enthusiasm for the outdoors with son Pete and his friends.

Sparky was a member of the Dallas Country Club and Dallas Petroleum Club. He was an avid animal conservationist, serving 18 years as a board member of the Exotic Wildlife Association. As chairman of the association’s Scholarship Committee, Sparky created the Martin E. True, Jr. Scholarship.

He thrived in mentoring young people interested in conservation and was most proud of becoming one of Carrollton, Texas’ first Eagle Scouts while earning the full complement of Eagle Palms.

Often times the party started or peaked with the arrival of Sparky and his fervent bent for clean fun and vivid stories. He loved the sun in Acapulco, boating at Emerald Bay, listening to jazz in New Orleans and was perhaps most relaxed at the family ranch near Leakey. He will be missed by his Alpha Tau Omega fraternity brothers and fellow soldiers in the Air National Guard, among many others.

Sparky was a graduate of Holy Trinity Catholic School, Jesuit College Preparatory School and The University of Texas at Austin and received his MBA from Southern Methodist University. He was the walking, talking embodiment of the Jesuit motto: "Men for Others."

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Brandy Moore Ratchford and his parents, Lillian Gautier and Maurice Edwin Moore. He is survived by his wife, Dian Blalack Moore, son Maurice Edwin (Pete) Moore III, his wife Shelley and their children Winn and Lillian; his son-in-law Stephen Ratchford and his children Sam, William, Pete, John and Anne; and his uncle, Dr. Samuel P. Gautier.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 13, 2016, 10:00a.m. in Wesley Hall at Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75205. Memorials may be made to: Exotic Wildlife Association Scholarship Fund (105 Henderson Branch Road, Ingram, TX 78025);

Special Camps for Special Kids - Camp John Marc (2929 Carlisle Street #355 Dallas, TX 75204);

Maurice E. Moore, Jr. Scholarship Fund - Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas (12345 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX 75244);

Cornerstone Music Ministry, Highland Park United Methodist Church (3300 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75205);

or, the charity of your choice.