Charles W. Moore

"Geez o' Mickey" Charlie Moore, aka Coach Moore, didn't just coach sports-he WAS sports. He spent 28+ years molding young athletes into better versions of themselves, usually by beating them in their own game-and if you couldn't keep up, well, tough s***. Football, basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, wrestling, and even some golf-Coach Moore was a hard a** with a big heart. You'd know it when he was proud of you, but he also wouldn't hesitate to tell you "You sucked pond water" either.

Instead of relaxing on the weekends or helping his wife with projects at home, he'd open the gym and "challenge" any athletes or peers, brave enough to take him on. They left humbled, sore, and somehow better prepared for life-or at least, that's what he said as they limped off the court. His coaching style? Let's say, by today's standards, he'd be more familiar with the inside of a courtroom than a gymnasium.

But it wasn't all gruff and grit-Coach Moore had a wicked sense of humor, and his "Charlie-isms" became infamous amongst his fellow coaches and students, alike. Like his coaching methods, his one-liners were not for the faint of heart, especially on the Pickleball court. Oh yes, before it became cool with suburbanites everywhere, Charlie was out there, low-key pioneering the sport- serving up aces and talking trash to all who dared to meet him on the court.

Off the field or the court, Coach Moore took his talents to another arena: the passenger seat. Teaching students how to drive was something he loved, and for many, landing him as their driving instructor was a rite of passage. This wasn't your typical Driver's Ed experience-there were no simple loops around the block. With Coach Moore, in summer school, you'd find yourself on memorable road trips, sometimes to Stillwater for a bite at the world-famous Eskimo Joe's. He made sure learning to drive was not just a skill, but an adventure, and it's here, too, where he made his mark on countless lives.

Charlie wasn't just a coach; he was the quintessential handyman. He was the guy you called when something was broken or you were stumped by a problem-whether it was fixing vehicles of all makes, any kind of home repair, or just life in general. He was that rare breed of human who knew how to do just about everything, and he never hesitated to lend a hand, some tools, his opinion, or even his entire weekend to help you out. No manuals required-just one of his signature grins and an afternoon full of stories to match. His dependability and generosity made him a go-to for friends, family, and neighbors alike.

Road trips though, were Charlie's jam, especially when they led to Red River, New Mexico. The family cabin was the ultimate destination, with summer days spent riding motorcycles and 4-wheelers throughout those rugged mountain trails. But nothing could top those epic Spring Break ski trips into Taos when Charlie would pack up his daughters and their entire friend group for a week of fresh powder and unforgettable belly laughs. No road trip was complete without a memorable soundtrack to boot: His music collection was unmatched. From classic rock anthems to yacht rock, with the ever-constant, Jimmy Buffett to remind us all that life's a beach-even when you're cruising through the mountains in the back of a conversion van.

Charlie Moore may have been a legend in the wild, but at home, it was clear who ran the show: his wife, DeRenda, the true genius behind the entire operation. Married for 54 years, they were a dynamic duo whose teamwork could rival any sports team he ever coached. Together, they raised two strong-willed, independent daughters who grew up idolizing their Dad. Corrie and Lauren loved and respected him deeply, even after enduring years of his no-nonsense coaching in both league ball and high school sports. He pushed them hard, but always with a purpose-instilling in them tenacity, resilience, and a sense of humor that could handle anything life threw their way. Through his tough love and endless wisdom, he made sure they were not just prepared for the game, but for life itself.

After retiring from teaching, Charlie & DeRenda and traded their single acre in the burbs for 40 acres of pure paradise, about an hour outside of town. For over 20 years, they turned their portion of the family compound into an unbelievable oasis. Charlie dug ponds with the backhoe and together, they landscaped them around them with massive boulders he dug up on the property. The property has become an absolute haven for friends and family. Whether you were there to fish or swim in the ponds, rip through trails on a 4-wheeler, work on projects in the shop, or attend one of his favorite 4th of July Celebrations- a visit to "The Farm" was always an incredible adventure too.

Retirement didn't slow Charlie's game either-it just meant more time for softball. Highly sought after by teams far and wide, Charlie continued to dominate the diamond well into his golden years. Traveling across the country, he played in tournaments, always with his brother Mike by his side. The two of them made an unforgettable duo.

But even legends have their limits, and after decades of running, throwing, and swinging for the fences, his body started calling in favors. Eventually, Charlie had to face a few joint replacements, but only after squeezing every last bit of play out of those knees and shoulders. Even as his body started slowing down, his competitive spirit never did.

Charlie Moore was a larger-than-life presence who left his mark everywhere-from the ball fields to the open road, to garages filled with classic cars he brought back to life. With his signature laugh, a lesson always at the ready, and an uncanny ability to tackle any project, he left behind a trail of unforgettable memories and stories.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife, DeRenda, and their daughters, Corrie and Lauren. His legacy continues through his brothers, Michael, Jeff and his family, Kenneth and his family, and Davey with his wife Kim and their family, as well as his sister-in-law, Gwen. He also leaves behind his "3rd daughter" Stevie, her husband Dustin, and their family, along with his acquired son Jacob, his wife Brittany, and their children. Nephew David, niece Brooke, her husband Gabriel, and their kids will cherish his memory, as will his stepmom Juliet and the entire Pinpin clan. The Lurry and Reavis families, along with countless other cherished family members, both by blood and by choice, will forever hold him in their hearts.

Lastly, he also leaves behind a legacy of lifelong friendships rooted in the brotherhood he cherished as a proud member of the Acacia Fraternity at Central State University, (now known as the University of Central Oklahoma). These bonds greatly enriched his life, and he truly treasured every opportunity they had to get together, and reminisce. Their unwavering support and camaraderie remained steadfast, standing by his side until the very end-a true testament to the deep connections he forged during those formative years.

A casual, come and go, Celebration of Life has been planned for October 20th, 2024 from the hours of 12-4 pm at CHI Gallery, 2300 NW 17th Street in Oklahoma City. A wonderful old historic building, that also with his mark all over it.

*Parking is limited, so we highly encourage ride-sharing or carpooling. For those who are able, additional parking is available at Hawthorne Elementary School (NW 15th & Youngs), just a short walk south of our building.