Walter Taylor Moore, III

Walter Taylor Moore, III, 78, passed away Friday, February 16, 2018 at his home in Hartwell, GA. Taylor was born June 24, 1939 at Johnston’s Hospital in Tallahassee, FL to Walter Taylor Moore, Jr. and Elmo Munn Moore.

Taylor was diagnosed with lung cancer in July of 2016 and addressed all his related health issues with his characteristic intelligence, good humor and attention to detail. With the addition of immunotherapy treatments, and the unwavering attention and support of his daughters and their families, he was able to resume a meaningful and rewarding life. On the day of his death he played seven holes of golf and ate lunch at Bojangles. (Fried chicken was a staple).

Taylor was preceded in death by his parents, his son John Carlton Moore (Taylor’s death was on John’s birthday), and his wife, Freda White. He is survived by his two daughters, Deborah Moore Carlisle (Steve) Woodstock, GA, and Angela Moore Matthiessen, (Britt) Punta Gorda, FL; two grandsons, John Stephen Carlisle (Stephanie) Woodstock, GA and Jeremy Taylor Carlisle, Atlanta, GA; one granddaughter, Leah Marie Matthiessen; two brothers, Edgar Moore, Sr. (Carol) and Robbie Moore both of Tallahassee, FL; the mother of his children, Betty Lou Troxler Meyer (Don), Jacksonville, FL; many nephews, nieces and cousins; and his beloved dogs, Eli and Buddy.

Taylor graduated from Leon High School in 1957 and cherished his relationship with class members which continued until his death, including attending his 60th high school reunion this past October. After Leon, Taylor attended the University of Florida where he was a member of the SAE fraternity. During his second year, he developed mononucleosis, dropped out of school and upon recovery enlisted in the Coast Guard, serving six months active duty and seven and one-half years of reserve duty. He then attended Florida State University, married Betty Lou Troxler, and received his degree in Accounting. After passing the accounting exam on his first sitting, he worked for a year for Wallis Walker, Sr. CPA and after receiving his CPA certificate began Law School at the University of Florida, graduating in 1965. He returned to Tallahassee and began his legal career with his father, Judge Walter Moore and brother, Ed Moore.

Taylor’s legal and accounting career was full of wonderful clients, law partners, friends and a wide variety of issues and causes. Also active in the community, he was an early member of the Leon County Republican Party and ran for the House of Representatives twice with passion and enthusiasm. Taylor was nominated by former Governor Leroy Collins to be the founding President of the Governor’s Club of Tallahassee and served as general counsel to the Downtown Improvement Authority for 33 years. He was an active member of a number of other social and community organizations such as the Committee of 100, the Colonels Club and the Exchange Club where he served as President. He loved serving in leadership and volunteer roles for each of these organizations.

One of Taylor’s abiding passions was the “Coast” which began in the 1940’s at St. Teresa and flourished at his home on Alligator Point, the “Gator Den”. He was affectionately known for many years as the “Mayor” of Alligator Point and had special memories of his girls and their families at the Point. Taylor loved his country, was very patriotic and almost always cried when he heard the National Anthem being sung. Most of all, he loved his family, the Gators, the coast, reading, his Leon classmates, his many friends and his dogs. He is loved dearly and will be missed by all.

A reception will be held at 1PM on Friday, February, 23, 2018 at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home (700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, FL) with the service to follow at 2PM. The burial, also held at MeadowWood Memorial park will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to WT Moore Elementary School library (named after Taylor’s father) for promotion of early reading and access to books. WT Moore Elementary School, 1706 Dempsey Mayo Rd, Tallahassee, FL32308.