Willie Moore

Willie Thomas Moore
Willie Thomas Moore was born on January 13, 1940 as the only child of the late Mary Lee Moore and Willie Thomas. He departed this life on May 1, 2019.  Willie accepted Christ at an early age and joined Beulah Baptist Church, 6th Avenue. A native of Bessemer, Alabama, he received his formal education in the Bessemer School District and graduated from Dunbar High School Class of 59. Willie was an outstanding basketball player during his high school years, and he always delighted the high school basketball fans with his superb skills.
In pursuit of higher education, he received a basketball scholarship to Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama where he continued to excel in the sport of basketball. Willie’s college time was cut short when he left Miles College to join the US Army.  He proudly served his country for seven years. During his years in the military, he was stationed in Texas, Germany, California and Vietnam.
Willie was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Janice Emmons, on January 8, 1966. This union was blessed with three children.
After being honorably discharged from the US Army with the rank of Staff Sargent E8, he joined the Alabama Army National Guard with the 109th EVAC Hospital Division. He received numerous awards and letters for outstanding achievements during his tenure. The unit was activated to serve and set up hospitals in Panama and Saudi Arabia.
Willie Thomas Moore was employed by the United States Postal Service (Ensley office). He took special pride and joy in his job as a postman for 24 years. Because of his love for learning and educating himself on a variety of topics, he resumed his college education and enrolled at Lawson State Community College where he received an Associate Degree in Business Administration. His accomplishments were noteworthy and earned him several awards for outstanding academic achievement. After retiring in 1992, he began working as an umpire with Marvel City Umpire Association until his health began to decline. He was also an active member of the Birmingham Pinochle Association for many years.
Willie’s life and legacy will be forever cherished by his loving wife of 53 years, Janice E. Moore; his loving children: Christopher A. Moore (Yvonne) of Chicago, IL; Jeffrey G. Moore, Sr. (Mariyam); Traci Ann Moore, of Birmingham, AL and Vanessa Wyche (Henry) of Pleasant Grove, AL; his loving grandchildren: Christopher A. Moore, II; Jeffrey "Amir" Moore, Jr.; sister-in-law, Beverly Vance; his caretaker, Rosa Logan and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.