Rev. Alton E. Moore

Reverend Alton E. Moore, Jr., 69, of Suches, GA, went quietly in his sleep to out run us to the Father’s House, Saturday, August 18, 2018. One of Al’s favorite quotes was from John Wesley, “...that a preacher ought to be ready to preach, pray or die at a moment’s notice.” He truly lived this to the very end of his earthly life.

He was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida. He was a 1967 graduate of J.M. Tate High School. His educational journey continued with an Associate Degree, Perkinston Jr. College, Perkinston, MS; Bachelor of Divinity, Scarritt College for Christian Workers, Nashville, TN; Master of Divinity, Candler School of Theology, Emory University; and doctoral work at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA. Al answered the call to the ministry in 1976. He was an ordained Elder of the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. He served churches in the Tennessee Conference, North Georgia Annual Conference and the Ala-West FL Conference. Al served as chaplain (12 years) in the Alabama National Guard and was called to active duty during Desert Storm. He retired from the active ministry in 2005. Since moving to Dahlonega and Suches, GA, he was active at the Wesley Chapel UMC in Dahlonega.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alton E. Moore, Sr and Jewell Kittrell Moore.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Diane Straughn Moore, his son, Alton E. Moore, III, of Tullahoma, TN and daughter, Nancy Jean Marks (Stan), of Jackson, AL. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Joshua Marks, Hailey Marks, of Jackson, AL and Cayden Moore, of Braselton, GA. And a great granddaughter, Alivia Jewell Marks of Jackson, Al. He is also survived by his brother, Rev. Dr. James C. Moore (Joyce) of Greensboro, AL; sisters, Linda Gibson (Ralph), of Winter Garden, FL, Janie Mitchell (Dennis), of Mcclenney, FL; and Sarah Warren (Jack) of Lexington, SC. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Al is also survived by his mother-in-law, Betty Straughn, of Cantonment, FL, brother-in-laws, Kirk (Jackie) and Ray (Angela) Straughn of Pensacola, FL.

Al’s greatest joy was his family and friends. He loved to preach and teach God’s Holy word. He was always studying to learn more of God’s word and His world to share with everyone. He never met a stranger and was always ready to strike up a conversation with all. He loved fishing and riding the mountains of North Georgia with our schnauzer, Willie. He will be missed greatly.

A memorial service was held, Friday, August 24, 2018 at Wesley Chapel UMC, Dahlonega, GA. An interment service will take place at a later date at Gonzalez United Methodist Church Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida.

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