“…I was born on Feb. 23, 1948. In a wooden framed house in the backwoods of Georgia. The morning was wet and rainy. The doctor got stuck on the way to deliver me. He walked for 2 miles until he finally arrived ….”
And so began the life of Roy James Moore.
Roy was born Feb. 23, 1948, in Bristol to Grady and Velma Watkins Moore. Growing up on the farm, he spent many years of his youth working in the tobacco fields. He was known to tip a few cows here and there during his wilder days and claims to have seen the Screven Ghost train.
He met the love of his life, Barbara Peeples on a school bus one morning. He proceeded to gain her attention by throwing gum in her hair, starting a love story that continued for 53 years. Barbara got the last of the gum out her hair just a few years ago.
After high school, Roy joined the Air Force and served with distinction in Vietnam. He was trained as an aircraft maintenance mechanic working on C-123 aircraft. It was during that time, the first of his children was born. Because of his service, he wasn’t able to see his first-born son, Roy Jr. until Roy Jr. was 4 months old. Two more children were born during his time in the Air Force, Kevin and Kimberly. Roy served a total of nine years before leaving the service. He was employed for a while in civil service at Naval Air station Jacksonville before embarking on a long career in restaurant management.
He had lived in Kingsland most of his life, moving to St. Marys one year ago. He was a member of American Legion Post 0132 of St. Marys, Harrietts Bluff Baptist Church and Friendship Baptist Church, and attended Lakewood Baptist Church.
He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Barbara, fishing, spoiling and adoring his grandchildren, doted on all his little puppies, and was known as "Mr. Fixer,” and was very kind and generous. He was a huge influence on his grandchildren, teaching each of them how to drive, farm, fish, and to be kind to others. He was always willing to help anyone in need and would give the shirt off his back if it was necessary. Well-liked and respected in all his managerial jobs that included managing Hardees, Western Sizzlin Restaurants and the Cisco Travel Plaza, he was a positive influence on all who worked for him. His huge smile and warm and friendly demeanor made him memorable to all who met him.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Barbara Moore; children, Roy Moore Jr. (Jessica) of Kingsland, Kevin Gene Moore (Shelley) of Kingsland, and Kimberly Mojica (Ray) of St. Marys; a brother, Dennis Moore (Henrietta); sisters, Rachel Marlene Halls (Don) of Pensacola, Florida, and Geraldine Gibson (Steve) of Kingsland; grandchildren, Sheldon O'Steen (Amber), Ciara O'Steen (Nate), Pamela Jordan O'Steen, Elizabeth Moore, Makala Moore, Drew Moore, Kevin Moore Jr. (Brittany), Brianna Keene (Dylan), Ashley Mojica, and Emily Mojica; great-grandchildren, Skye Walker Wilson, Lando Kal Wilson, Dean Carter O'Steen, Landon Roy Keene, Teagan Moore and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by eight siblings, Henry Moore, Preston Moore, Troy Moore, Ovaline Moore, Maybelline Moore, Irene Norman, Rufus Moore and Rowland Moore.
Mark Moore, Donald Moore, Drew Moore, Jacob Kirkland, Curtis Moore, Clayton Moore, Luke Moore and Franklin Sheffield will serve as active pallbearers.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday Feb. 24 with visitation starting at 2 p.m. Burial will be held at Lawnwood Cemetery.
Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.