Andrew "Andy" Paul Moore

1955 - 2017

Andrew "Andy" Paul Moore

Corpus Christi, TX

Born: September 14, 1955, in Austin, Texas, capital of the great State of Texas, the second of three sons, to Caroline Margaret "Brownie" Moore and Rager "Harrell" Moore who were both proud graduates of "THE University," lovers of all things Texas, devoted Christians and fiercely united partners in a loving marriage that continues to endure.

Died: January 8, 2017, in Goliad, Texas, at his ranch in the arms of his beloved wife of 34 years - affectionately referred to by family as "Mia" as in Andy's "Mia Moore".

Surrounded by huge oaks and populated with wild creatures, noble horses and Galloway cattle, it was truly heaven on earth for the couple. Andy and Mia always referred to their life at the ranch as being "in their dreams awake."

New visitors to the ranch were always met with an ambush by horseback. Distant shouts of "yeehaw" were heard, rapidly followed by staccato sounds of gunfire - at first distant but then alarmingly closer - as road dust cleared to reveal a white horse running at top speed coming straight for them with a fearless Irishman, reins in his mouth, pistols in both hands firing blanks into the air, wearing just a kilt, snake proof boots, a flask on his hip and a brilliant smile on his face. When the excitement died down, Andy would always say to the usually still-stunned guests, "Do we know how to have fun or what?" while Mia would always comment that "She knew there was a God just watching him get on and off his horse."

Their favorite moments were spent with family and friends rocking by the outdoor fireplace, watching the moonrise over the pond and enjoying long conversations under a brilliant canopy of stars.

Frequent guests joyfully joined in the Moore family mealtime prayer which always ended with fists raised and loud shouts of "Beat the Devil!" before savoring Andy's world-famous mesquite grilled steaks and corn-on-the-cob. He would always remind everyone to "save room for Mia's apple pie and Blue Bell ice cream!"

A family rite of initiation for new guests always included a solemn admonition after the meal, "Don't do like you did before and go off and say you didn't get enough to eat!" followed immediately by peals of laughter by all family members at the confused expressions of their guests. Gut wrenching laughter followed when guests rushed to assure their hosts "But we've never been to the ranch before!" Good times!

All who met Andy immediately sensed his indomitable spirit and charisma, keen intellect and boundless curiosity. For those who knew him more intimately, his passion for life was scorching, white-hot, and an all-encompassing force of nature.

Classically educated in theological and philosophical studies, as well as Greek and Hebrew, Andy graduated from a private university and continued his education for five years in seminary. Haunted by God since childhood, he described his spiritual connection as being ever-present and reflected often, "There was never a moment that he was not in conversation with God."

Believing that God "draws straight with crooked lines"

Andy's entrepreneurial spirit took a detour to the oil and gas industry over 30 years ago. He founded several corporations with projects across Texas and extending to Oklahoma, Louisiana, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Montana. Ranging from due diligence, title research, mineral leasing and royalty acquisition to drilling and exploration, his work spanned many aspects of the industry.

Andy got a big kick out of hiring his parents who worked in the business for over 25 years until their recent retirement. He always "knew where they were and kept them out of trouble" and reveled that, for once, "they had to do what he said or risk not getting a paycheck." He was delighted when the first and second generation was joined by a third when daughter Emily began to work in the business as well.

What do Monostatos, Cavaradossi, Don Jose, Pinkerton, Shrek, Amahl, Georges, Billy Flynn, King Triton, Callahan, Nursemaid, Chef Louis, Witch, Jean Valjean and Sigmund Freud all have in common? Andrew Moore, beginning with his first televised performance at age four, played these characters, among hundreds of other roles.

Andrew has delighted audiences both near and far. He was honored to perform for President George H. W. Bush, a few years later he performed for President George W. Bush, followed by a performance for First Lady Laura Bush as well as numerous performances for Governor Rick Perry and other dignitaries through the years.

His musical interests ranged from opera and oratorio to Broadway, Celtic, Spanish, Italian, German, and Hebrew repertoire. His natural ability to engage an audience in the musical experience prompted an internationally known conductor to observe, "His charisma and intensity seduces. He connects in a way that is gifted and rare." Andy's dynamic vocalism, exceptional musicianship, and commanding stage presence were exceeded only the passion for performing he brought to any musical presentation.

His favorite role was that of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables where he was honored to perform nineteen performances to sold-out houses. It was meaningful to him because Valjean's story was that of redemption, grace, walking with God in life and then coming home to God for eternity. In his death scene, Valjean is lead by angels to the doorway of Heaven, as he lifts his tear-streaked face to the light he sings, "to love another person is to see the face of God." Valjean's story was Andy's story as he understood the futurity of beauty and he lived his life in that truth.

Andrew Moore had three great loves in his life...his wife, his daughter and his granddaughter, whom he loved with "everything he had and then some" and was loved "from here to infinity and beyond...and then some" in return by his Mia, Emily and Margaret.

We are so grateful for the gift of your love.

Te amo noche noche! Don't let the houndstooth bite!

Magnificent Man. Magnificent Life.

Bravo thy good and faithful servant!

If only there could be an encore...

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Andy's honor to: Houston Grand Opera (attn: Greg Robertson), CC Symphony Youth Orchestra, or Harbor Playhouse Theater Education Program