Deacon Hiram Moore Jr.

TIFTON — Deacon Hiram Moore Jr., 81, of Tifton died Monday, May 25, 2009.Deacon Moore was born to the late Brother Hiram Moore Sr. and Sister Bessie McLendon Moore in Atkinson County. He received his early education at Atkinson County Training School in Pearson.At an early age, Deacon Moore accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at Pine Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Kirkland.He decided that he wanted to serve his country and joined the United States Army May 6, 1952, serving with distinction for two years. He then transferred to the Army Reserve in 1954. Upon completion of his duty, he returned to Willacoochee where his family resided. He worked for the CSI Railroad until he retired. He was a member of the American Legion Post 559 in Tifton.Deacon Moore was married to the late Sister Verdell Moore, and to this union, three children were born. In August 1990, several years after becoming a widower, he married Sister Irma Colson Moore.To treasure his love and memories, he leaves behind a devoted wife, Sister Irma Colson Moore of Tifton; sons and daughter-in-law, Herman Moore of Douglas and Zerald and Tannisha Moore of Griffin; daughter, Shirley Blaine of Willacoochee; stepchildren and their spouses, Myrial Johnson and Clifford and Mattie Colson Jr.; an uncle, Israel Moore of Valdosta; 21 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren. Deacon Moore was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, five brothers and two sisters.Taylor Family Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.