Osler Ardell Moore

Osler Ardell Moore, 99, passed from this world into the arms of Jesus on September 25, 2025. A native of Jackson, Miss., Osler would be a familiar face to many south Jackson residents as the pharmacist and owner of Southwest Drugs. His professionalism and quiet demeanor, along with his quick wit and intelligence would endear him to his customers. An humble man, Osler will be remembered by his family and friends for his love and generosity. He found great joy in helping to fulfill a need someone had, whether it was gifting a bicycle and piano to a boy in a single parent household; helping a neighbor with college tuition; giving generously to his church; or providing no-cost prescriptions to people who couldn't afford them. No one knows the countless ways Osler stepped in to help his fellow man. He always did "the next right thing." Born February 19, 1926, Osler was the son of Bessie Ardell Bailey Moore and William Thomas Moore. As a young boy, Osler worked as a delivery boy at a local pharmacy. He left high school in the tenth grade and enlisted in the US Navy the day before his 18th birthday. Osler was Honorably Discharged June 14, 1946, earning the Navy Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal - American Area. After World War II, a family friend convinced Osler to go to school and obtain his General Education Degree (GED). Then, Osler enrolled at Mississippi College in Clinton, Miss., later transferring to Howard College (now Samford University) School of Pharmacy. He was one of the first students admitted to the Honor Society at Howard. Prior to graduation from Howard, Osler was recalled for service during the Korean War.
With his second Honorable Discharge and the completion of his pharmacy degree, Osler returned to Jackson. As a pharmacist and business owner, Osler worked diligently to be successful. He opened Southwest Drugs. Later, in a business partnership with his older brother Leo, they opened a series of stores as Southwest Drug Stores of Mississippi in Jackson, Hattiesburg, and Laurel.
Osler married Mary Nell Walker. The couple enjoyed more than 60 years of marriage, travelling, entertaining friends and family, and working together at the drug store. After Mary Nell's death, Osler was invited to speak to the pharmacy students at Samford. While reading an alumni magazine he learned that a former college friend was recently widowed. Osler made the drive to Heflin, Alabama, to visit his friend Billie Small. The two had a whirlwind romance and married a few months later on Feb. 14, 2013, in the Kroger Pharmacy in Madison, Miss. The event was covered by the local newspaper and television stations and was even publicized on "The Huckabee Show." Billie and Osler were married 12 years before her death on August 18, 2025. In addition to his wives, Osler is preceded in death by his parents, Bessie Ardell Bailey Moore and William Thomas Moore; his siblings: James Thomas Moore, John Leo Moore, Jerry Everett Moore, and Mary Helen Moore. Osler is survived by numerous nieces and nephews from his first marriage to Mary Nell, and by his stepdaughter, Dani Small Jones (Les) of Heflin, Ala.; his stepson, Dr. Robb Small (Cheryl) of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; grandchildren Erica Jones Nolen (Blake), Dustan Jones (Mary), Wendy Small Lancaster (Johnny), and Jonathan Small (Ruth); and great grandchildren Briana Lancaster, Bekah Lancaster, Mya Lancaster, Mattie Nolen, Ethan Nolen, and Jillian McCormick-Jones. Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Broadmoor Baptist Church, 1531 Highland Colony Parkway, Madison, Mississippi, with the funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m.. Entombment Lakewood Memorial Park.