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Richard Lee “Rick” Moots, 68, of Sunbury, NC passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
A native of Norfolk, VA, and was the son of Oliver Moots and Peggy Edwards Moots, both deceased. Rick served in the U.S. Army for six years in the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC. He retired in 2020 from the Auto Body Collision business after 36 years. Retirement bored Rick, so he went to work at TW’s Hardware, Sunbury, NC. Rick was a master at woodworking projects and a jack of all trades. He could fix or repair just about anything. Rick loved spending time with his two Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Oliver and Petey. He coached and played softball in the past and loved classic Rock & Roll. He served as a Youth Group leader at church along with singing in the choir. Rick was a very kind and patient man. He never met a stranger and he always thanked anybody in military attire for their service. Rick will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his childhood sweetheart and wife of 31 years, Rebecca Louise Hart “Becky” Moots; daughters, Kimberly Moots of Grand Rapids, MI, Jessica Tray of Gastonia, NC, and Stephanie Carlson and husband, Ryan of Sunbury, NC; son, Jason Cook and wife, Kira of Virginia Beach, VA; six granddaughters; six grandsons; one great granddaughter; one great grandson; six sisters; three brothers; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Moots.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date by the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation www.t2t.org
Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, NC is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
304 Main Street PO Box 23, Gatesville, NC 27938
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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