Edward Blake Moore Sr.

A part of the Chattanooga community for 64 years, Blake Moore passed away peacefully at his home on July 24, 2022 at 89 years old. He was born in Trenton, NJ, before moving to Norris, TN, at the age of 10. Blake was the son of Robert Porter Moore and Anna Katryne (Blake) Moore. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Helen Gail (Gooden) Moore, and her son Joseph "Jody" Lewis Clift, his wife Dana, and their daughter McKenzie; his three sons (Edward Blake Moore, Jr. and his wife Cynthia Weiler, Robert Franklin Moore and his wife Diane Cullen Moore, and George Porter Moore) from his former and late wife, Joan (Gant) Moore; seven grandchildren (Lauren, Hudson, Karly, Melissa, Brandon, Reiley, Lindsay); and four great-grandchildren (Mary, Vera, Blake, Genevieve). He is also survived by his younger brother, Thomas Fulton Moore of Sewanee.

Blake graduated with honors from the College of Wooster (OH) in 1955 before entering Duke Law School. In July of 1958, Blake began his law practice in Chattanooga with Spears, Moore, Rebman, & Williams, with which he stayed until he retired in 1998. Early on, Blake started specializing in defending health care providers in Hamilton County and four surrounding counties. Blake believed that the conservative culture regarding respect for physicians made Hamilton County a good jurisdiction for defense attorneys. Blake was active in the local, state, and federal Bar Associations throughout his four decades as an attorney. In 1979 he was the President of the Tennessee Defense Lawyers Assoc. As a 6th Circuit Federal Bar Assoc. member, Blake practiced in the trial courts and appeared multiple times before the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. Among his most satisfying cases were three child custody cases in which he and his colleagues successfully obtained custody that they felt would be in the child's best interest. Blake stayed in touch as each prospered into adulthood, enjoying the love and support of their families.

Blake involved himself in the community in a variety of ways through active and committed participation in his many years in Chattanooga: Westside Development Corporation (Board member), Chattanooga Cares (Board member), Bachman Home (Trustee), National Council of Christians and Jews, PFLAG (honoring his brother, Robert, who died of AIDS), Peace Center, and Clergy and Laity Concerned. Blake was proud to be a life-long Democrat, albeit, as he would say, "not an easy ride in the 3rd Congressional District." Blake enjoyed expressing some of his more liberal views with frequent letters to the Editor of the Chattanooga newspaper. Church affiliations with Rivermont Presbyterian (deacon, elder, teacher), Second Presbyterian (deacon, elder, teacher), Pilgrim Congregational Church (nonmember), and Unitarian Universal Church (nonmember) were significant outlets for Blake to discuss, petition, and pursue avenues related to poverty and peace, especially for children.

Upon retirement and building on his artistic knack for woodworking, Blake took up chainsaw carving as a hobby and became quite adept, producing a wide variety of pieces with some finding homes in the area: an 8 ft chimp and "the thinker" at the Zoo; Looie, the Lookouts mascot, went to the stadium; two 7ft bears went to a Signal Mtn. playground; the "Mountaineer" at the 10th tee of the Signal Mountain Golf Course; "The Warrior" (American Indian) went to Jasper High School; "The Three Bears" at a Drive-In movie theater. Countless other carvings are spread throughout the homes and businesses of family and friends.

Blake also enjoyed playing golf and was a long-time member of the Signal Mountain Golf Club, always joking that the course had nothing to do with his "very poor handicap." Blake had a passion for the beach, especially when his kids and grandkids could be with him to help create and form the dribble castles and sand sculptures. He cherished the relaxed reflections and conversations with family and friends as the waves met the beach and the tides changed.

Family and friends are invited to gather and honor Blake's memory on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 3-5 PM at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel, 5401 Hwy. 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Heifer International (www.heifer.org/) in Blake's memory.

Please share your memories of Blake with the family at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Hwy 153, Hixson, TN 37343.