Joseph Gary Moore

Joseph Gary Moore passed away, Saturday, December 28th, 2024, at his home. 

Joseph was a native to Haywood County and son to the late Joseph Howard and Edith Mull Moore. He was also preceded in death by his sister Pat Ford. 

Joseph had retired from Dayco Southern and was an Army Veteran who served a year in Vietnam. 

His sons have wonderful memories growing up with their father. As kids he would take them to see movies at the local drive-in. Other times he would take them out to Waynesville’s Pizza Hut to gobble up hot slices and drink soda out of red pebbled tumbler cups. 

For anyone who knew him, Joseph had a reputation as the ultimate conversationalist. He could start up a conversation with anyone and end up talking your ear off. Hyperbole was his wheelhouse and if he regaled you with stories of his life, he would spin them into the tallest of tales. But it was all in jest, because he just loved to entertain and joke with people. 

Joseph was a lone maverick of sorts who loved the freedom of doing what he wanted. Hence the reason he got a little too rebellious with the use of his motorized wheelchair in later years. He had a stubborn streak, but that obstinate nature helped him to be strong-willed and hopeful despite all the medical problems that came his way. In the end, he went out on his own terms. With his passing, the world has a little less spark at its core. 

Joseph was survived by his two sons Christopher Moore of Raleigh, NC and Michael Moore (Melissa) of Dorado, PR; Three sisters, Peggy Medford, Sandra Ferguson and Norma Smiley. One grandchild, Milan Moore Mora of Dorado, PR. Many nieces, nephews and other family members that loved him dearly. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Melissa Walker for their devoted care.

Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville. Military honors will follow the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Asheville VA Hospital.

The care of Mr. Moore has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville