Lamar H. Moore, Jr.

On August 21, 1926 Lamar Hilliard Moore, Sr. and Dixie Moore welcomed their first-born son, Lamar Hilliard Moore, Jr., into the world. Lamar was devoted to his faith and his family, and he was a compelling leader, patriot and entrepreneur. He departed from this world on January 21, 2018 to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Born in Waco, Texas, Lamar (known by many as "June") was the oldest of six sons, and he embraced his role as the eldest brother. Lamar's brothers were his best friends, and he often worked for and with his family during his business career. As a young adult, Lamar's commitment to Christ changed his life, and he was baptized at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church (PDBC). Lamar exhibited a rare talent for authentic leadership that drew people to him in immediate and lasting friendships, which helped him as he served as a deacon and in many committee and leadership capacities while at PDBC. In addition to his service to the church, Lamar served on the Board of the Bank of Commerce for 20 years, the Hendrick Hospital Board for 18 years, and the Hendrick Foundation Board. He also served the Boys and Girls Club of Abilene, the Salvation Army, Abilene Kiwanis Club, and the Abilene Planning and Zoning Board.

After spending the first few years of his life in Waco, Lamar's family moved to Abilene, Texas. Lamar attended schools in Abilene before transferring to boarding school at Texas Military Institute (TMI) in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated in three years with many honors: he was captain of five varsity teams; he was selected "Best Athlete" for two years; and he was one of nine students chosen in his graduating class for excellence in Academics, Athletics and Military. Lamar served on the Board of Governors and had three brothers, two sons, two grandchildren, and one nephew who attended TMI.

Lamar's patriotism exhibited itself strongly when this country found itself in the midst of World War II. His athletic prowess at TMI led to his selection to play football for the South in the Texas North, South All Star Game and earned him a scholarship to the University of Texas. But he chose to serve his country by joining the Navy (after three years of Army at TMI) and served on an Amphibian LCI(M) mortar ship. He spent all of his service time in the South Pacific.

Upon completion of his naval service, Lamar returned home to Abilene to attend and play football for McMurry University. He also attended and played football at Southwest Texas State and Trinity University and coached football at TMI. While at McMurry, Lamar met Chris Whitlock, and he thought she was the prettiest and most charming young lady he had ever met. He knew without a doubt that she was the woman with whom he planned to spend the rest of his life, and within four months, they were married. Lamar and Chris had four beloved sons: Gary, who passed on from this world in infancy, Lamar Hilliard Moore III (Hillary), Ted Alan Moore, and Kim Jay Moore. Lamar and Chris celebrated sixty-nine years of marriage in October 2017.

Lamar's entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to work for himself, his family's company, and alongside Chris in her nutrition business for the whole of his business career. Lamar H. Moore Drilling Company operated eight rotary drilling rigs, and for twenty years, the family company drilled several hundred wells in fifteen counties. Lamar also served on TIPRO and other oil association committees. When the oil business slowed, Lamar's family developed a chain of Gibson Discount Stores in Texas and New Mexico. The family also entered the commercial real estate business, and Lamar and his family developed the Moore Brothers Building, the Lamar Building, the Clinic Building, the Cross Roads Shopping Center, and The Plaza at Park Central Shopping Center, along with many other properties.

Despite his familial responsibilities, an active career and civic commitments, Lamar still found time to pursue his passion for golf. He managed his variety of work and civic duties successfully and efficiently while never compromising his afternoon tee time.

Predeceasing Lamar are his parents Lamar Hilliard Moore, Sr. and Dixie Moore; his infant son Gary, and two brothers, Ray and Jake Moore.

He is survived by his wife Chris; his three sons: Hillary of Abilene and wife Kimberly; Ted Moore of San Antonio and wife Denise; Kim Moore of San Antonio and wife Jackie; his three brothers: Rex Moore of Abilene; Lee Moore of Abilene and wife Rhonda; and Jim Moore of Abilene and wife Sharon; his eight grandchildren: Kristi Moore Cooley of McKinney and her husband Matthew; Hailey Moore Weems of Arlington and her husband Jason; Lamar Hilliard Moore IV (Lars) of Austin and his wife Anna; Landon Moore of San Antonio; Parker Moore of San Antonio and his wife Ashley; Sterling Moore of Charlottesville, Virginia and his wife Jenni; Katie Moore of Los Angeles, California; and Jake Moore of Waco, Texas; and his seven great-grandchildren: Carson and Caden Cooley; Elijah, Caleb and Jeremiah Weems; Eisley Moore and Ava Moore.

Chris Moore continues to reside at Wesley Court where she and Lamar have many close friends and are very appreciative of the special care and relationship with the staff and professionals who manage care at the retirement center.

Visitation will be Friday, January 26, 2018 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. The graveside service will be held Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 10:30 am at Elmwood Memorial Park. A celebration of Lamar's life will follow at 1:00 pm in the sanctuary of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 S. Pioneer Dr., with Rev. Stan Allcorn and Dr. Jeff Reid officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Lamar's grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, the Boys and Girls Club of Abilene, Baylor University's Chris and Lamar H. Moore, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund, or the charity of your choice.