Darrel Wayne Moore

Darrel Moore, 73, of Chesapeake, VA, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. He was surrounded by many family members, including his wife whom he adored, Katy Moore, by his side.
Darrel was born on December 11, 1950, in Norfolk, VA to Hugh "Mike" and Helen Moore. Darrel is the younger brother of Cindy Sykes, who recently described her baby brother as "adorable." Darrel was a cub scout and was a regular mischief maker as a young boy. In high school, he loved muscle cars and playing football.
He joined the Army in 1971-1974 and was stationed at Fort Myer during the Vietnam War. He began working on construction crews at age 15 where his magnetic personality drew people to him, and his co-workers titled him their mascot, "Smoky." He became a skilled carpenter, worked at NORSHIPCO/BAE for 38 years, and developed lifelong friendships there.
Darrel and Katy met one another on a blind date in which they played a heated -and still hotly contested- game of Monopoly. Darrel's grandmother, "Big Nanny" prayed for many years for him, and Darrel and Katy both accepted Christ as their Savior the same week as one another. They were blessed with three children: R.W., Amanda, and Sarah. As a family, they were able to take multiple trips including to Niagara Falls, and a three-week vacation driving to Colorado in which they made many stops along the way. Darrel and Katy loved to be stuck together as travel companions. While they had quite opposite departure style and schedules, they managed to continue to travel together and visited Israel, Greece, and all 50 states together.
Over the years, Darrel lived a life of service to God and to others. For many years, he invited children to church each Saturday, and drove them there on the bus each Sunday. While he was a junior boys' Sunday School teacher, he invited the class to his home every year and taught them to use tools for a woodworking project to create a Christmas gift for their families. He used his carpentry skills to help others and assist in projects that needed done at church; he also volunteered as an usher and an AWANA game leader throughout the years. Darrel coached T-ball, Little League, and Babe Ruth leagues, and moved up in age as R.W. moved up. When he took vacation days from work, he would travel to West Virginia and make repairs at his mother-in-law's house. He had a lifelong passion for missions and sharing the Gospel, and took many trips to offer his gifts around the world including Australia, Brazil, Guatemala, Hawaii, Japan, and the Marshall Islands.
Despite numerous health concerns including nine surgeries, cancer, and brain metastases, Darrel kept his sense of humor, endearing personality, love for his family, enjoyment of life, and steadfast faith in his God through his last moments on earth. His willingness to fight to keep his body healthy was inspiring. He had a dedicated health care team through Sentara, many of whom went above and beyond to provide the best care possible.
In addition to his parents, Darrel was preceded in death by his son, R.W. Moore. Left to cherish his memory are his loving and dedicated wife, Katy Moore; daughter, Amanda Hornbrook and her husband, Joe (grandchildren: Mikaela, Bella, Kamdyn, Londyn, Avalon, Courtland); daughter, Sarah Moore (grandson: Keaton); grandchildren, Devin, Kyla, and Gatlin Moore; sister, Cindy Sykes and her husband, Jimmey and their family; extended family members: Cebert and Wilma White and their family; Mike and Linda Jo Howell and their family; and the DeEstrella, Salazar, and Hamilton families.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 24, 2024, from 7 -8:30 p.m. at Graham Funeral Home and Crematory, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake, 23320.
The funeral service will be held Monday, November 25, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Good News Baptist Church, 3252 Taylor Road, Chesapeake, 23321 with Pastor Michael Ascher officiating. For those unable to attend the service will believe live streamed.
He will be laid to rest in a private service at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk. Please consider memorial contributions to Good News Baptist Church Mission Fund, Baptists on Mission Disaster Relief Ministry or The Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Wreath Society.
Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence to the family.
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