Rev. David Lewis Moore, the son of John David Moore and Louise Stevenson, was born Jan. 12, 1956, in Merced, California. Affectionately known as “Rev,” David was called early in life to the ministry of God. His passion was serving his community. God, in His divine wisdom, blessed the world with the gift of David but called him home to glory on March 6, 2019. Surely, he was greeted with the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Young David attended Merced High School in Merced, California. Following graduation, he went on to pursue his undergraduate studies at California State University Fullerton and Pacific Christian College. He earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Theology and Business Administration (1979). Always an achiever, Rev. Moore furthered his educational career at Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, North Carolina, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree (1982). He went on to earn a Master of Sacred Theology degree at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut (1987).

Rev. David L. Moore was married to his, “better half,” Rev. Melinda S. Louns, in 1980. He began his pastoral journey at Saint Phillip AME Zion Church where his first son, Jonathan Jeffrey Lewis Moore, was born. His next charge was at Stewart Tabernacle AME Zion Church, where their second son, Joshua Aaron Bradley Moore, was born. He went on to Pastor at Trinity AME Zion Church, where James Edward Louns Moore was conceived. His final charge of Metropolitan AME Zion Church is where their fourth and final son, Joseph Rudolph Randall Moore, was born.

Although Rev. Moore was born with sickle cell anemia, he did not let this disease define him. In fact, his radical faith propelled his Godly endeavors to accomplish more than what 10 men could in one lifetime. His goal was to always beat the odds and prove the naysayers wrong. Rev. Moore had no issue with necessary confrontation, in spite of others’ conflicting viewpoints. In the end, his ultimate desire was to always advocate for “the less of these.” Sincere and absolute joy came later in David’s professional career when he experienced collaborative alignment with his adult children as they jointly embodied Micah 6:8 “To do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God.”

Growing up in poverty with a diagnosis of a dreadful, chronic disease only fueled and motivated young Dave to serve as a catalyst for social justice and economic equality for all. The world was made a better place because David was in it. The fabric of this community will forever be impacted by the imprint his legacy has left. He was an amazing father and even better grandfather, better known to his grands as “Pop Pop.” His days were filled with laughter and a deep love and appreciation for family and friends.

To rejoice in his legacy, Rev. Moore leaves his wife, Melinda Moore, of the home; three sons, Dr. Joshua Aaron Bradley Moore and wife Dr. Shenita Spencer-Moore, of Charlotte, Rev. James Edward Louns Moore and wife Dr. Donneshia Moore, of Greenville, and Mr. Joseph Rudolph Randall Moore, of Washington; five grandchildren, Madison “Montgomery” Moore, James “Eli” Moore, John “Luke” Moore, Jonathan “David” Moore, and Joshua “Jr.” Moore; two brothers, Rudy Moore and wife Vickie Moore, of Merced, California, and Bradley Moore, of Fairfield, California; two sisters, Carol Perkins, of Suisun City, California, and Deborah Evans, of San Antonio, Texas; mother-in-kind, Mrs. Mildred Keyes Randolph, of Washington; grandmother, Roberta “Blu” Callender; goddaughter, Janese “Rochelle” Boone, of Raleigh; goddaughter, Tequila Green; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Jonathan Jeffrey Lewis Moore; parents, John and Louise Moore; and brothers, Harold Moore and Larry Stevenson.

A funeral service will be held at noon Saturday, March 16, 2019, at Metropolitan AME Zion Church, 102 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Washington. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2019, at Metropolitan AME Zion Church, and at other times, the family will receive family and friends at the home.

Arrangements are by Leon Randolph Funeral Home, Washington.