Jonathan Orion Moore

Jonathan Orion (J.O.) Moore passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at the age of 77 after a long struggle with the effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis. He leaves his wife of 53 years, Evelyn (Newcomb) Moore; his sister, Myrtis (Moore) McCord of Bastrop, TX; three children -- Marcus Moore of Dalton, GA; Curtis Moore of Lewisville, TX; and Susan (Moore) McGann of Rock Hill, SC; two grandchildren -- Allen Moore and Jacob Moore, both students at the University of Georgia. Jonathan, or Jon, was born in Belden, MS on April 25, 1938 to Virgil Orion and Geneva (Sullivan) Moore. He grew up in Belden, suffering the loss of his family home to fire and surviving a tornado, and graduated as the Valedictorian of his class at Belden High School. He went on to graduate with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Mississippi State University, and found employment at numerous industries around the South before settling his family in Counce, TN, where he worked for the papermill for almost 25 years. Jon was a devoted husband and father, much preferring time at home with his family over career ambitions or adventurous pursuits. Other than his home in Counce, his favorite place to be was on the beach at Gulf Shores, AL, where he often took his family for summer vacations. He adored his wife, and together they raised their children to honor God, to respect others, to work hard, and to be content with simple things. Though he never served his country in the military, Jon was very proud to be an American and held those serving in the armed services in high esteem. He regarded citizenship as both a privilege and a responsibility, not taking for granted the freedoms he enjoyed. He contributed generously to numerous charities and organizations that shared his values and beliefs. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 11 at 1:00 p.m. at Magnolia Funeral Home. Visitation will be Sunday, May 10 from 4-8 p.m., and on Monday beginning at 12:00 p.m. Jon will be interred at Henry Cemetery. Memorial contributions are requested to be made to Samaritan's Purse or Gideon's International in lieu of flowers.