Dr. Charles Edward Moore, Sr., son of Verna Ann Martin Moore and Archie Asbury Moore, departed this world on July 20, 2024, due to cardiac and other health issues. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Azalia Smith Moore; by his four children, Dr. Charles Edward Moore, Jr., Martha Lynn Moore Ray, Michael Andrew Moore, and Matthew Martin Moore; and by numerous grandchildren.
Dr. Moore was born on June 1, 1930, in Oktibbeha County, MS, and as a toddler moved to Fulton. He attended public school in Fulton until his tenth year when his parents became involved in World War II, working in the defense plants in Michigan. The family later moved to California for several years prior to the departure of his father to Guam in post war recovery efforts.
Charles, his brother, and mother then relocated back to Tupelo. As an eleventh-grade student, Charles Moore entered Tupelo High School where he graduated in 1948. He then entered Ole Miss and left there to enlist in the Navy where he became a medical support official, a role which he fulfilled on the USS Iowa for two years during the Korean Conflict. During this time, he served with Naval Officers and crewman during bombardment of the North Korean shore. Upon completion of his assignment, he transferred to the Mediterranean for the rest of his naval enlistment.
Upon discharge, Charles returned to the University of Mississippi where he graduated prior to his enrollment in the University of Tennessee Medical School program in Dentistry. After graduation, he practiced briefly in central Mississippi and for 30 years he had a practice in Tupelo.
Charles Moore, Sr., was married to Shirley Jean Francis with whom he had four children. During the years of his children’s growth and maturity he and Shirley resided in Tupelo, MS, where they were very active in leadership roles in the community. Following Shirley’s sudden death, Dr. Moore spent time in a travel program visiting the Soviet Union as a health emissary.
On December 26, 1993, Dr. Moore married his second wife, Azalia Smith Moore. Both were deeply involved in genealogical research and the formation of the Jamestown Society chapter in North Mississippi. In addition, he was an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Magna Carta Barons.
As a member of the Calvary Baptist Church since the age of 16, Dr. Moore served in numerous roles from Sunday school teacher to South Troy Deacon.
Public visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Pegues, Tupelo.
Private family services will be at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues, Tupelo with Bro. Lesley Sullivan officiating. A private family interment will be in the Martin Moore family plot in the Glenwood Cemetery on North Church Street, Tupelo.
