Billy Moore

Billy Moore’s life journey began in Winter Haven, Florida with sunrise on April 6, 1936, to parents, Henry Felton and Martha Ann Frances Moore. He was welcomed by three brothers and one sister. Later, his younger brother was born, and they grew up close, since the other siblings were older. He was very active all through the years of school, especially in sports. He was the half back on the Winter Haven High School football team and an outfielder on the baseball team. After graduating from Winter Haven High School, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Savanah, Georgia, where he met, Betty Jean Dyess, a student nurse at Warren A. Candler School of Nursing. Following Betty’s graduation from nursing school, they were married on September 14, 1958, in Claxton, Georgia, Betty’s hometown. Bill completed his Air Force service in January 1959, and they moved to Winter Haven, Florida, where he attended Florida Southern College and Betty began working at Winter Haven Hospital and Gessler Clinic. Bill graduated from Florida Southern and began his career in education. He first taught physical education in several Winter Haven elementary schools. A few years later, he returned to college at the University of Mississippi, graduating with a master’s degree in educational administration. His career included teaching in elementary schools and driver’s education in high school. He later returned to college receiving an Advanced Specialist in Education degree from Rollins College. 

His favorite part of his career was becoming a school principal. He served in that role at Jewett All Sixth-Grade school and at Lake Shipp Elementary school. After that, he was the East Area Superintendent for Polk County Schools and retired in 1996. During his career, he was active in the Elementary School’s Principal Association and was state President. He was also the President of the State Area Superintendent’s Association.  

He was a member of Inman Park Baptist Church and served in many capacities including Deacon and Sunday School Director/ teacher for over sixty years. He was also active in The Winter Haven Optimist Club and held numerous offices including President and participated in all their projects which benefits the local community youth.  

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Felton and Frances Moore, his brothers, Garland, Lenton, and Howard Moore, and his sister, Betty Foster. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty Moore, his two sons, Matt Moore, Craig Moore (Lisa ), and his grandchildren, Cameron Moore, Macy Moore, Joshua Moore and Blake Moore, step grandchildren, Jennifer Cheney (Matthew Cheney), and Joshua Blakley and his step great granddaughter, Amelia Blakley, his brother, Johnny Moore (Pam ), nieces, Debbie Moore, Linda Kitch, Michelle Moore, Kim Gay, and Kristi Franco, and nephews, Gary Moore, Jeff Moore, and Scott Hayes.  

Bill’s journey here on Earth ended with sunset on July 12, 2024, when he entered his heavenly home with his beloved wife and two sons at his side. He will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.   

Services will be held at Inman Park Baptist Church Winter Haven, FL.  Visitation will be from 6-8 pm on Friday July 19, 2024. and a celebration of life service on July 20th with a visitation at 10:00 am and service at 11:00 am. Graveside service will be at Lakeside Cemetery. A reception/ lunch will follow at Inman Park Baptist Church fellowship hall.  

Please make any remembrances to Inman Park Baptist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.