John Vernon Moore

John Vernon Moore, 85, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. A devoted husband, father, mentor, and philanthropist, John built a life rooted in hard work, faith, and a deep belief in people.

Born and raised on a dairy farm in Harmony, North Carolina, John learned early the value of perseverance-but also that his path would lead beyond the pastures of his youth. Moving to Charlotte as a young man, he worked by day and attended night classes at Carolina Business College, determined to create something lasting. In 1975, with little more than vision and grit, he founded Moore Electrical Supply. What began as a small operation in a modest warehouse on Winona Street grew into one of the most respected electrical supply companies in the Carolinas, employing more than 150 people and generating nearly $60 million in annual sales before its sale in 1995.

To those who worked for him, John was more than an employer-he was a mentor and a role model. His former employees often said he led with integrity, treated everyone with dignity, and made his workplace feel like family. His influence continues to ripple through the industry, inspiring many to start their own businesses and carry forward his principles of honesty, loyalty, and service.

John's contributions extended far beyond business. A lifelong member of the Carolinas Electrical Contractors Association (CECA), he became its first Associate Member President and later established the John Moore Electrical Industry Assistance Fund, providing support to families within the trade facing hardship. His leadership and generosity helped shape the electrical contracting community across the Carolinas for decades.

After retiring in 2001, John turned his focus toward family and community. His most profound chapter began as a caregiver to his late wife, Brenda, during her battle with Alzheimer's disease. That experience awakened in him a passion for helping others walking the same journey. Through his connection with The Ivey Brain Health and Memory Wellness Center, John found both purpose and partnership. Following Brenda's passing, he purchased and donated the lot adjacent to The Ivey to ensure its growth, later acquiring the LLC that operated the organization-leaving it virtually debt-free and able to expand its mission of supporting families affected by dementia. In 2024, John gifted the entire campus to The Ivey, securing its future as a vital community resource for generations to come.

It was through this shared purpose that John met Lynn Ivey, The Ivey's founder and CEO. Their friendship, born from shared compassion and understanding, grew into love. Together, they became steadfast champions of brain health, caregiver support, and the power of purpose in every stage of life.

John's generosity touched many corners of the Carolinas. Following the heartbreaking loss of his wife and his daughter, Laura, within days of one another, he honored their memory through a major gift to Well of Mercy, a retreat ministry in Iredell County. His donation built Laura's Place, a serene outdoor pavilion that continues to offer solace and reflection to visitors seeking peace and renewal.

Friends and colleagues remember John not only for his business acumen, but for his character-steady, humble, and quietly inspiring. "He wasn't just a boss," one former employee said. "He believed in people before they believed in themselves." Another called him "the kind of leader who made everyone around him better."

Whether in the boardroom, on the golf course, or in quiet acts of kindness, John Moore lived his life by simple but profound principles: work hard, care deeply, give back, and never stop believing in others. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched-through his family, his employees, and his community.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Lynn Ivey; his son, John Thomas Moore (Pat); his son, Brad Zeigler (Kathy), and their son, Jake Zeigler; his daughter, Tracques Head (Sam), and their daughter, Elizabeth Head; his son, Harrison Saunders VI (Laurin), and their sons, Swep VII, Loch, and Smith Saunders; his daughter, Jane Wingblade (John), and their son, Jack Wingblade; his brother, Paul Moore (Karen); as well as many special nieces and nephews. He is also remembered fondly by his extended family and the many friends and mentees who will carry forward his spirit of generosity, humility, and purpose.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Vernon Moore and Lucile Tomlinson Moore; his daughter, Laura S. Moore; and his brother, Walter Moore.