Christopher Mooney

Christopher Alan Mooney, Lifelong Savannah Resident and Advocate for the Less Fortunate, Dies at 52 - SAVANNAH - Christopher Alan Mooney, a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength for the less fortunate, died tragically on June 2, 2011. He was 52. A lifelong resident of Savannah and a familiar face to many, Chris Mooney lived his life helping the disenfranchised-regardless of whether they were poor or fighting to overcome a dependency. It was not unusual to find him serving hot meals to the homeless on Thanksgiving Day, or helping a person who was struggling through the first stages of withdrawal. In many ways, he was happiest when he was helping others, and this was evident to all who knew him. His kindness and generosity were legendary, especially towards the neediest. Starting at a very young age, Chris developed a passion for automobiles. From his first 'behind-the-wheel' experience at age 8-sitting on his grandfather's lap to steer his big black Buick-his love affair with cars would grow from a childhood pastime to a lifelong vocation. As a 16-year old student, he joined Bill Ussery Motors to be close to the Porsche automobiles that he loved. Seeing his potential, Bill Ussery quickly promoted Chris to a sales position, at which he excelled for the next 13 years. In 1989, he joined Backus Cadillac, where his infectious enthusiasm fueled his continued success for nearly two decades. But when Backus ultimately closed its doors in 2009, Chris moved on to Critz BMW. Finally, his love for his family and theirs for him, knew no bounds. He could always be counted on to help out. He was always there, and he always put the needs of his family before his own. He was a big presence at family events-large and small-and always brought an air of festivity even to a short, drop-by visit. Christopher Mooney was born in Savannah, GA on February 28, 1959, the second son of Jess and Mildred (Biddie) Mooney. His father was a CBS executive and General Manager of WTOC-TV. His childhood was spent close to his family, especially his maternal grandparents, Lollie and Gene Hendrix, who lived next door. Often, Chris would be spotted darting across the lane, and would be found sitting on his grandfather's knee-listening to his tall tales and learning about life in earlier times. Summers always included a visit from his New York cousins, who would descend upon Savannah for months of fun excursions created by their grandfather and orchestrated with Chris. Christopher Mooney was preceded in death by his father, Jess Erol Mooney; his paternal grandparents, Jesse and Johnny Mooney of Statesboro, GA and his maternal grandparents. He is survived by his mother, Mildred Biddie Hendrix Mooney; one brother, Mark Erol Mooney (Gail) of Hilton Head Island, SC; one sister, Kay Mooney Agnoli (Mark) of Durham, CT; his daughter, Jame McCoy (Emily) of Savannah, GA; one niece and one nephew, Victoria and Andrew Mooney of Hilton Head Island, SC; his aunt, Paulette Hendrix Pettinella of Wayne, NJ; three cousins, Pamela Pettinella of Minnetonka, MN, Steven Pettinella of Hockessin, DE and Richard Pettinella of Lincoln Park, NJ. A memorial service is being planned. Savannah Morning News December 23, 2013 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries.