JD Moore , a genial soul whose earthly pilgrimage was 82 years, one month and eleven days crossed over to Glory Land on Sunday, February 17, 2019 from Sanctuary Hospice House after a brief illness. JD was born in New Site, Prentiss County, Mississippi on January 6, 1937 to the late Raymond Moore and Opal Wigginton Diffey. He grew up there, graduated from Booneville High School in 1955 and married his sweetheart of 63 years, Bettye Sue Ryan, on July 17, 1955. JD joined the Miss. Army National Guard and was federalized during the 1962 crisis at the University of Mississippi. JD spent a lifetime in the concrete business starting at B&B Concrete in Tupelo, later for Phillips Contracting in Columbus and retiring as a salesman from MMC Materials. JD had a special, contagious personality, made friends easily and was a beloved figure in our community. Among the things he was known for was wearing red socks every Saturday and Christmas socks at Christmas, a tradition that fascinated children. He was a longtime active member of the Monument Drive Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. A 32nd degree Mason and Shriner, he was affiliated with Tupelo Lodge #318. An appreciator of God’s creation, JD loved fishing and hunting, especially duck hunting. He often piddled in his work shop at his home of 57 years. Civic minded, JD loved his community and devoted many years to the Major Thoroughfare Program. His living amongst us enriched all and he will be sorely missed.
A service celebrating his life, with Military and Masonic honors will be held at 2 PM Today (Tue., 2/19/19) at the Tupelo Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors with Bro. Tim Roaten officiating. Private burial will follow in Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be from Noon-service time today at Holland-Tupelo Chapel, which is honored to be serving their friends. The service may be viewed via www.hollandfuneraldirector.com/Livestreaming. Condolences may be e mailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net.
Pallbearers will be grandsons and Gene Waters. Dale Holloway will be an honorary pallbearer.
Survivors include his wife, Bettye Ryan Moore of Tupelo; son, Mike Moore (Tonja) of Tupelo; daughter, Pam Moore Fields (Jeff) of Saltillo; brother, Euward Moore (Anne) of Sharpsburg, GA; 5 grandchildren, Jake Moore (Malorie), Ryan Moore (girlfriend – Tatum Weaver), Tyler Fields (fiancé – Lexie Flowers), Mason Fields (fiancé – Megan Davidson), and Casey Smith (LiMerle); three great-grandchildren, Emary, Jaxon, and Nolyn Smith; 1 niece and 3 nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and infant brother, Macon Moore; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mittie and C.C. Ryan; and stepfather Bill Duffey.
Memorials may be sent to Sanctuary Hospice House, P.O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38802.
