John Ira Moore Jr.

John Ira Moore, Jr. died July 1, 2011 while swimming at Atlantic Beach. He and his wife Lib were enjoying their time at their beach condo, a place where he experienced God’s presence and peace through the beauty of the ocean, dolphins, and the pleasure of feeling the sand between his toes. John will be sorely missed by his family and by all who knew and loved him.

John is survived by his beloved wife Lib, as well as their son Ashley of Raleigh, their daughter Kori Bruton and husband Charlie of Freemont, and their precious grandson Nick. He deeply loved his children and grandson, and was so proud of them in every way.

John was born in Rocky Mount, NC on Dec. 2, 1942, to Mable and John Ira Moore, Sr. At age seven, the family moved to Raleigh. John attended schools in Raleigh and graduated from Broughton High School in 1961. He graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 1966 with a degree in psychology, and received his Masters Degree from UNC School of Social Work in 1967.

John spent 18 summers at Camp Sea Gull where his mom, Mable, was Director of Infirmaries. At age 13, Wyatt Taylor hired John as head of Camp Headquarters, a huge responsibility for someone so young. This experience helped shape his values as a person of great integrity, compassion, and love for others.

It was during his last year of graduate school that he saw Lib across the room and knew she was the love of his life. After 6 months of courtship, they were married on July 9, 1967. They would have celebrated their 44th anniversary this Saturday.

John’s career included social work in many areas, interrupted briefly by his service in the Army Reserves. He was instrumental in helping develop the North Carolina Medicaid Program. The last 22 years he worked with the NC Division of Facilities Services, responsible for reviewing the quality of nursing home care. John was passionate about his work, finding it uplifting and rewarding. He loved each of the residents, and was greatly appreciated and respected by the nursing home directors and his professional colleagues.

John embraced his retirement years. He and Lib enjoyed travel, including trips to China, Italy, Eastern Europe, Russia, and Spain. They built a new home in the Glenlake community, where their many new friends have become family. John was loved for his hospitality and humor – he could take a simple event and have you rolling with laughter.

John was an active member of Hayes Barton Baptist Church for 61 years, serving in many capacities, including President of his beloved Danielson Sunday School class. John attributed his spiritual growth in large part to his close relationship with David Hailey, and to Dr. Hailey’s inspiring sermons.

John’s love of exquisite flowers, beautiful music, creating gourmet meals, and entertaining and enjoying his many friends are legend. There will never be another like him. As we grieve his passing, we are comforted to know that he is now with the Lord.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, July 7, 2011, at 2:00 PM with visitation prior to services at 12:30 PM at Hayes Barton Baptist Church, followed by burial at Oakwood Cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted or, memorial contributions may be made to Hayes Barton Baptist Church TV Ministry, 1800 Glenwood Ave. Raleigh, NC 27608 or Camp Sea Gull, Arapahoe, NC.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, St Mary’s St., Raleigh, NC.