Willard Dempsey 'BAM' Moore

Mr. Moore was born September 28, 1930 in Sweetwater, Texas, the son of the late Burton Alfred and Beatrice Scales Moore. He was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Lucille Brewer Moore; sister, Patricia Doyle her husband William Doyle; and a grandson, Bryan Moore who passed away young with a brain cancer.

Bam and his family moved from Texas to Emporia, VA where the Moore family was originally from, then to Jarrett, VA while he was at a young age. There he grew up  and worked in his father’s grocery stores, graduated from Jarrett High School and was drafted in the Army serving in Alaska (before it became a state).

After discharge from the Army, Bam moved to Gaston, NC and opened a grocery store and was involved in Moore Bros. Farm Service in Virginia.  There he met and married Marcella.  He sold his business and retired at age 45.

During this time, he was involved in the Lions Club in Gaston where he held several offices including president.  For many years, he was involved in Youth Fellowship, Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball in Roanoke Rapids.  He helped finance the trip to Tennessee when Roanoke Rapids won the first state championship in 1973.

In addition, he has always been involved with sports through officiating baseball, football, softball in the recreation leagues, high schools and some college games.

He is survived by his wife Marcella Wray Moore; daughter, Christine Lynn Brown and husband Lenny; sons, Michael Todd Moore and wife Janet, and Richard Burton Moore and wife Janet; grandchildren, Kenny Goodfellow, Timothy Goodfellow, Kevin Moore, Collin Moore and Steven Moore.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 12, 2014 at 1:00 PM at Massey Funeral Home in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.  Burial will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Massey Funeral Home, Thursday, September 11, 2014 from 7:00 until 8:30 PM.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.haroldmasseyfuneralhome.com