Juanita "Sam" Moore

Juanita "Sam" Moore, a beacon of love and wisdom, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, in Orange, California. Born in Fort Payne, Alabama, on May 7, 1942, Sam's journey through life was one marked by selflessness, courage, and an unwavering spirit that inspired all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of strength and kindness, as well as her beloved sons, Brian and Dan. Sam's light continues to shine, even as we mourn the loss of a truly remarkable soul.
Sam's story began in the humble surroundings of Fort Payne, where she grew up and attended local schools. At the tender age of 17, with a heart full of dreams and determination, she joined the United States Navy. Her service during the Era of Growing Conflict from 1959 to 1965, particularly in Vietnam, was a testament to her bravery and commitment to her country. As a young woman serving an Admiral, she became the promotional poster girl for the Navy while stationed at MCAS Cherry Point, standing proudly beside the C-54 Transport. Her beauty, both inside and out, captivated many, and she shone brightly, placing second in a local beauty pageant to the renowned actress Dawn Wells of Gilligan's Island fame.
Sam's charisma was unmatched; she could blend grace with grit and connect with people from all walks of life. Stories of her sharing drinks with the legendary General Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller only added to her mystique. It was during her service that she met the love of her life, Major Robert "Bob" Henry Moore, a courageous and decorated USMC Pilot. Their love story was one for the ages, and together they celebrated over four decades of marriage, until Bob's passing in 2005.
After retiring from the military, Sam and Bob embarked on a new adventure, opening a trucking company that flourished until deregulation. Sam, never one to sit on the sidelines, earned her CDL licenses and became an integral part of the operations. When Bob sustained a major injury in a truck accident, Sam stepped up, taking on additional responsibilities with unwavering dedication. She instilled her work ethic in their two sons, who followed her example by starting work at young ages delivering newspapers and yard work businesses; an entrepreneurial spirit that continued in them to this day.
In what could have been called either desperation or blind luck, Sam pursued a degree in her true calling in Mortuary Science. Becoming a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in 1976, she brought a clairvoyant touch to her work, forming deep connections with the families she served and the professionals she worked alongside. Her nurturing nature led her to become a mother figure to many in the funeral service profession, training the next generation of embalmers and funeral directors.
Sam's passion for work was inexhaustible. She worked until the days preceding her passing, finding joy and social fulfillment in her daily interactions. She loved deeply, spoke kindly, and was a trusted confidante, always ensuring that gossip found no fertile ground in her presence. Her presence was a sanctuary for many, a place where confidences were kept, and spirits were lifted.
Sam Moore lived a life that was a testament to the power of love, hard work, and compassion. Her name will forever be synonymous with the virtues of love, wisdom, and selflessness. Her story is not one of an ending but a continuing legacy that will ripple through the lives of those she touched. As we celebrate Sam's life, we are reminded that the best way to honor her memory is to live by the example she set – to love without reservation, work with purpose, and to be a guiding light in the lives of those around us. Juanita "Sam" Moore, your memory will forever be a beacon of hope and inspiration. Your journey through life was a masterclass in humanity, and we are all the better for having been part of your story.
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