Truman Moore

Truman Moore, a lifetime resident of Lawrence County and a Descendent of two pioneer Lawrence County families, died Monday at the age of 96. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Bonnie Gibson Moore, of the home; two daughters, Fran Austin (Doug) of Cape Girardeau, Mo; and Cathy Clowers (Dr. Larry) of Hot Springs Village; two sons, Harry Truman Moore (Linda Lou) of Paragould; and Tom Moore (Darlene) of Walnut Ridge; four granddaughters, Tina Dolbeare (Alex) of Columbus, In; Teri Goodman (Scott) of Cape Girardeau; Dr. Marsha Clowers of New York, N.Y.; Dr. Holly Clowers of Jackson, Tenn.; one grandson, Matthew T. Moore of Walnut Ridge; a great-granddaughter, Meg Goodman of Cape Girardeau; two great-grandsons, John Paul Goodman of Cape Girardeau; and Austin Doyle of Columbus; and a step great-grandson, Nevada Dolbeare of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert C. Moore and Margaret Matthews Moore; and three adult brothers and two adult sisters. Truman was a graduate of Sloan Hendrix Academy and began his varied professional career as a country school teacher, teaching eight grades in one room in several rural Lawrence County communities. The education of his children became one of his top priorities, and he was proud that all of his children and grandchildren have earned or are completing college degrees, with six of them earning advanced degrees. His work experience included employment as a car salesman, grocery clerk, bookkeeper (including his duties as the bookkeeper and manager of the "company store" at the Lauratown plantation), as a retail merchant, a funeral director and as a real estate agent and broker. From 1955-1982 he owned as a partner and then sole shareholder the Bowlin-Moore, and later, Moore Furniture Company. His wife, Bonnie, worked with him in the business from 1969 until they sold it. In his final employment, he served until he was 94 as principal broker for a local real estate firm. Truman was a respected community and business leader, including service as President of the Walnut Ridge Chamber of Commerce, President of the Arkansas Furniture Association, and member of the Lawrence County Historical Society. He was probably best known for his work for his church, First Baptist Church in Walnut Ridge, where he was a devoted member for more than 65 years and served as a deacon, church treasurer, Sunday School Superintendent, and a choir member. Truman possessed an incredible memory, and never forgot a face and the name that went with it. He maintained an interest in politics and public affairs until his last illness. He estimated that he attended more than 85 Fourth of July Picnics at Portia, and rarely missed the political speeches. His home was often open to office holders on the 4th, where candidates would stop for a visit with him and a glass of Miss Bonnie's homemade lemonade. Funeral services will be held Friday, at 1:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Walnut Ridge with Rev. Mark Harris officiating. Pallbearers will be deacons of the church.. The family will receive visitors prior to the funeral beginning at 12 noon at the First Baptist Church. Burial will follow under the direction of Bryan Funeral Home in the New Hope Cemetery near Denton, where he will join other family members on grounds donated by his grandfather. Memorials may be made to the building fund of the First Baptist Church, Walnut Ridge, or to the charity of your choice.