William Dudley Moore Sr.

– William Dudley Moore, 85, died at Hospice Home in High Point on July 10, 2016. Born in North Wilkesboro, NC, on April 2, 1931, to Roy Ivey Moore and Freda Hendren Moore, he graduated from Wilkes Central High School and NC State University. His undergraduate work at NC State was interrupted by the Korean War, during which Dudley served as a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. While stationed in Houston, Texas, he met Norma Bell, whom he married on August 19, 1955, and the two enjoyed 56 happy years of marriage.

You could say that Dudley was born to be a furniture man. His grandfather founded Home Chair Company, a thriving manufacturer in North Wilkesboro, NC. Noticing an artistic bent in Dudley, his grandfather, “Daddy Jim,” recommended be become a furniture designer, offering this sage advice: “Furniture designers don’t have to work very hard, and make good money.” Always quick to know a good idea when he heard it, Dudley made his career decision and never looked back. In 1960, he co-founded the firm that became Otto & Moore Furniture Designers in High Point. For the next 50 years, Dudley was at the helm of Otto & Moore, which became and remains a leader in the field of residential furniture design. Dudley was a gifted designer, known for creating “winners,” and had an eye for talent. Over the years, many of the most successful designers in the furniture industry cut their teeth under Dudley’s critical, but nurturing, eye.

Dudley was devoted to his family, and whenever possible, he combined family with his business and recreational activities. It pleased him to no end that two of his children – and two grandchildren – joined the family business, and the third child was the company lawyer. Over the years, he led countless family ski vacations and golf trips, though golf was his passion. He was a long-time member of Willow Creek Golf Club, and golf took him and Norma all over the world. Beyond golf and skiing, he enjoyed gardening, sculpting, and woodcarving. He also served as chairman of the building committee at Jamestown United Methodist Church, on the board of trustees at Westchester Country Day School, and on the board of High Point Country Club.

Dudley is survived by a son and two daughters; Dudley Moore, Jr. and wife Mary-Lynn, Carolyn Moore Shaw and husband Don, and Allison Moore Grimm and husband Steve; and five grandchildren; Will Moore and wife Lyall, Liz Moore, Alex Grimm, Samantha Grimm, and Luke Shaw. Dudley is also survived by his companion of the last several years, Sue Helton, whom he and his children counted as a final blessing of a rich and fortunate life. Dudley was a true character: uncompromising, funny, charming (when he chose to be), and endlessly entertaining. We will miss him.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 AM at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends in the Asbury Room at the church from 6:00 to 7:30 PM on Tuesday evening.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262.

The family acknowledges with deep gratitude the special loving and caring services of the nursing staff of Hospice of the Piedmont. The family would also like to express their appreciation to Teresita, Jada and Alex of Home Instead for the gentle and loving homecare provided during Dudley’s illness. Also, they would like to acknowledge the longtime friendship and assistance of Carolyn and Natalie Robertson.

Arrangements by Sechrest Funeral Service. Online condolences may be made through www.sechrestfunerals.com.

“You will go out in joy, and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees will clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12).