Donald Ray Moore
Donald Ray Moore, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at Signature Health Care in Orange Park.
Donald was born May 2, 1929 in Claysville, Pa. to the late Paul and Mildred Moore. He was raised by his aunt and uncle the late John and Amelia Knisley of Nineveh, Pa.
Donald enjoyed playing baseball and football during his school years while working after school and weekends as a stock clerk. He met his wife, Doris Gay, during their freshman year at Waynesburg High School in Pennsylvania. He worked 10 years at a glass factory in Washington, Pa.
Donald enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946 starting out as a private. He worked his way up the enlistment ranks and eventually entered the officer ranks in 1954 and advanced to the rank of Captain on February 13, 1962. He is credited with 41 years of military service that compromised of Active Duty, National Guard, Army Reserve and retired Officer Reserve Time.
His service included the occupation of Germany twice and Tokyo, Japan during the Korean conflict and acted as a military advisor on Advisor Team No. 4 in Vietnam, serving a one-year tour from September 1967 to September 1968. He turned down a Purple Heart for a broken foot that occurred during his Vietnam Tour since he was not wounded in combat. Donald retired from the Army on May 2, 1989.
He worked for Ford Motor Company at the Cleveland Engine plant for 22 years. Upon retiring from Ford Motor Company he moved to Orange Park where he resided until his death. He loved fishing, leather craft, domestic cat breeding, working in the yard and gardening.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and dedicated wife of 64 years, Doris; brother, Harry Moore of Lural Springs, N.J.; daughter, Rita Wilson of Clarkesville, Ga.; son, Richard Moore of Orange Park, Fla.; 3 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Donald’s life with military honors will be 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.