Horace Gray Moore, of Creek Road, Bath, age 91, breathed in his first lungful of heavenly air with ease, in the early hours of Monday, April 3, 2017, as he stood straight up, stretched out his arms, and walked with a spring in his step, alongside of his Savior, to be reunited with his loved ones, whose memories filled his daily thoughts.

Horace was born on September 26, 1925, to Mark Hanna and Marcia Lee (Oden) Moore, and became brother to Edna (Woodrow) Holloman, Marcia Dare (Marion) Cutler, all deceased, Mark Hanna (Phyllis) Moore of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Mary (Jimmy, deceased) Jackson of Wilson.

On December 24, 1948, he married Wilma Woolard, and together they were blessed with three children, Randy (Ann) Moore of Pinetown, Steve (Victoria) Moore of Bolivia, NC, and Janet (Lenny) Waters of Washington. He fulfilled his promise to his wife of 66 years, taking care of her to the end, long after Alzheimer’s had wiped away her memory of their many years together.

He was also preceded in death by his only daughter, Janet, the apple of his eye.

Horace, affectionately known as Be-Bop to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, enjoyed teaching them how to tend to a garden and the correct way to mow the grass. He taught them early in life the value of doing a job right the first time and the importance in sharing the fruits and vegetables you were blessed with among your neighbors. Over the years, the Moore clan grew larger, and he had lots of hands willing to help. He is survived by 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, each having a special and unique relationship: Randy Gray and Toby Moore, Dare (Sage) Wiley, Mia (Jamie) Best, Megan Moore, Ashley (Ellis) Cullipher, Erin (John Scott) Cutler, Steven Moore, Lin Waters, and Jamie Moore, Maya, Jameson, John, and Jase Best, Cole and Caden Cullipher, Michael and Sophia Imes, and Caroline and Kenley Cutler.

Be-Bop was a great cook; all the grandchildren looked forward to Christmas each year, waiting for him to give approval to dive into his homemade fudge. To be chosen to assist in the preparation was an honor, but most only wanted the opportunity to be the official taste-tester of that year’s batch. Throughout his life, there were moments every grandchild felt his love.

Horace graduated from Bath High School in 1943. In the early part of his life he farmed the family land, eventually passing the torch to Randy and Toby. He worked the remainder of his life at the Beaufort County Health Department until he retired at 62. While at the Health Department, he inspected septic tanks and graded restaurants for health and safety. He was respected at his job and proud that he could assist in maintaining the integrity of the public’s health from unsanitary dining establishments, as well as being able to aid patrons in septic tank approvals. He was always willing to give advice to those who wanted to do it correctly. Horace was a lifelong member of Athens Chapel Church of Christ. Over his lifespan, he served as a Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee, Deacon and Elder. Horace enjoyed the sounds of music and singing; he sang in a men’s quartet and in the church choir for several decades.

Visitation with the family will be held in the fellowship hall at Athens Chapel Church of Christ, in Bath, at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 and at other times at the home of Randy and Ann Moore. A celebration of life service will follow immediately at 2 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

The service will be officiated by Chris Hux. The Elders and Deacons of Athens Chapel Church of Christ will serve as pallbearers. The graveside service will follow the celebration of life at the Moore family cemetery, across from Horace’s home on Creek Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Athens Chapel Church of Christ Building Fund, 35 Delia Wallace Road, Bath, NC 27808.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Moore family.