Michael Larry Moore Sr.

As we mourn the loss of Michael Larry Moore Sr., a beloved patriarch whose influence reached far beyond his years, we also celebrate the extraordinary life he lived. Mike passed away on October 27, 2023, at the age of 79.

Mike was born on June 23, 1944, at Toccoa Hospital, Georgia. He was the fourth of five children. His early years were marked by his love for baseball, where he played Little League and achieved All-Star status. A lifelong Braves fan, he supported the team through all the highs and lows. Mike's educational journey began at Toccoa Elementary, followed by Toccoa High School. In 1960, during his ninth-grade year, his family moved to Atlanta, where he attended Walter F. George High School and Fulton High School. It was at Fulton that he met Sandra, his future wife, in an Algebra II class, where she told a friend she was going to go to prom with the new boy on his second day. That is where their love story began, spanning 62 years, filled with ups and downs but always in step. They attended three proms together and later married on May 31, 1963.

While working for AT&T collecting coin telephones and attending Georgia State College, where the company supported his education, he graduated in 1970 with a degree in Mathematics. This achievement was particularly significant to him, given that a math teacher once labeled him "stupid." He continued to rise through the ranks at AT&T, eventually working in Forecasting and Development at the new Georgia Headquarters in the Perimeter Mall Office Complex. In 1978, he was transferred to Daytona Beach, Florida. In 1992, he moved to Tallahassee, Florida, working in Public Relations and Community Affairs, a role that allowed him to thrive and connect with people from all walks of life. After retiring from BellSouth in 2005, he continued as a Contract Lobbyist until 2017.

In 1985, Mike and Sandra embarked on a successful venture by establishing Mike Moore's Auto Salvage in Holly Hill, Florida, which they later sold in 2021 after many years of hard work.

Throughout his life, Mike was actively involved in various organizations and held leadership roles, reflecting his commitment to his community. These included:

President of the Lakewood Jaycees in Atlanta, Georgia, Lieutenant Governor of the Georgia Jaycees, President of the Daytona Beach Kiwanis, Board Member of Seabreeze High School, Two-time President of the Seabreeze Marching 100 Band Parents Association, Board of Directors for the United Way of Volusia and Flagler Counties, Board of Directors for the Red Cross of Volusia and Flagler Counties, Lifetime member of the Daytona Beach Speedway Checkered Flag Committee, Board Member of London Symphony Orchestra Biannual Residence, Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce member, Member of Leadership Daytona, Member of Leadership Florida, Member Bellsouth Pioneers of Florida, Florida Telephone Industry Association, Florida Government Affairs, and President of the Lafayette Homeowners Association.

Mike's contributions did not go unnoticed, and he received several awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Telephone Industry Association, the United States Jaycees International Outstanding Contribution to Youth and Children, and the Georgia Jaycees Outstanding Local Chapter President Award. Then-Governor Jimmy Carter also recognized him for his outstanding contributions to the children and youth of Georgia. Mike held the titles of Georgia Jaycee Retired Rooster, Tennessee Squire, and Kentucky Colonel.

Mike is survived by his loving family, including his devoted wife of 60 years, Sandra Moore, whom he married on May 31, 1963. He is also survived by his son, Michael Moore Jr of Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, his daughter, Missi (Rusty) Simmons of Georgetown, Texas, and his granddaughter, Meritt (Joey) Oddo of Tampa, Florida. Mike is further survived by his siblings: Jennie Williams of Penelton, South Carolina; Joyce Moore of Jacksonville, Florida; Barbara Schaeffer of Demorest, Georgia; Cathy (Eddie) Bloodworth of Bethlehem, Georgia; Rev. Ken (Teresa) Magness of Lovejoy, Georgia; Keith (Linda) Magness of Monticello, Georgia; and Rev. Chris (Dena) Magness of Hampton, Georgia. He also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom he cherished. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Nettie and Hoyt Moore of Tacocca, Georgia; In-laws Gerald and Fern Magness of Rex, Georgia; Siblings Ressie and Doyle Roberts of Toccoa, Georgia, and James Moore of Jacksonville, Florida.

In honor of Mike, we invite family and friends to join us in celebrating his life during the viewing on Sunday, November 5th from 3 pm to 5 pm at Horis A. Ward - Fairview Chapel & Fairview Memorial Gardens (376 Fairview Rd., Stockbridge, GA 30281). The funeral service will take place on Monday, November 6, at 1 p.m. at Bethel United Methodist Church (245 Fairview Rd., Stockbridge, GA 30281), where we will come together to pay our final respects and remember the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.

Michael Moore Sr. was a remarkable individual whose contributions to his community, family, and profession will be remembered and celebrated by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In celebration of Mike’s life please donate to North Georgia Camp & Retreat Ministries, 690 Camp Glisson Road, Dalonega Georgia 30533

For line should read: NGCRM CAMPERSHIP FUND - In Memory of Mike Moore

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.horisawardfairviewchapel.com for the Moore family.