Billy Joe (“Joe”) Moore, age 89, a longtime Springfield area resident, passed away on December 28, 2020 at Cox South Hospital from complications of Covid-19. Joe was born in Christian County, Missouri on June 10, 1931 to James and Faytha Moore. Joe married Marcella Maples on June 4, 1952 and together they had two children, Karen Sue and Joe Keith.

Joe graduated from Abesville in 1948 and enlisted in the Army at the age of 17 and served in the Korean War. After leaving the armed service with the rank of M/SGT, he worked at Frisco Railway.and attended Draughon’s Business college. Then, he worked as a Springfield Firefighter followed by ownership of a drive-inn restaurant. Then, he worked for the US Postal service for 30 years. Upon retirement, he traveled the United States shuttling school buses for Allied Bus in Nixa, MO; had cattle and a big garden at his farm in Boaz. He also volunteered for the Cox Auxiliary for 8 years.

Joe’s kindness and life of service to others was reflected in his favorite Bible verse: Psalm 27:1. He was a dedicated Christ follower from a young age and served as a deacon. He was attending Ridgecrest Baptist Church at the time of his death.

Joe is survived by his wife, Marcella; daughter Karen and husband Richard Neal; son Joe Keith Moore and wife Dianne; granddaughter Laura and husband Brandon Rogg; great granddaughter Destiny and husband Jordan Salaz and great-great granddaughters Anna Belle and Autumn. Also, sister Colleen and husband Dick Donham; nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends. Joe is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Ruth Webb and Carol Hertel; two nephews, Ricky Donham and Bobby Donham; and grandson, Jason Moore.

For people unable to attend the graveside memorial service, the casket and register book will be available to view and sign on January 4, 2021 from 5-8 pm at Greenlawn South. The family will not be present during this time. A graveside memorial service will be held on January 5, 2021 at 2 pm at Highlandville IOOF cemetery with Pastor Hosea Bilyeu officiating. The family respectfully requests social distancing and masking at the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to everyone who has supported us during this time of loss and a special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and caretakers at Cox South Hospital for their compassion and love.