Ricky Jay Moore

Ricky Jay Moore, 71, of Jacksonville, Florida, was called away to Heaven on December 17, 2025, from heart failure while driving his tractor trailer. In answer to one of his ongoing prayers, no one else was involved or injured in the resulting accident.

Rick was born September 27, 1954 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the third son of James Lewis Moore, Jr. and Betty Jane (Haywood) Moore. He played football at Springfield High School and graduated in 1972. Answering the call to ministry, he went to Central Bible College, earning a Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies.

Rick married Christine Ray in Orange Park, Florida in 1977. They fell in love at Bible College and were married for 15 years, and raised three children together - Joshua, Danielle, and Aaron. Rick later married his second love Tish Dukes in 1997 after meeting at Evangel Temple in Jacksonville, Florida. They were married for 14 years, and shared many loving memories with their two boys, Zachary and Christian.

Rick loved his family and talked about them everywhere he went. From his first child to his last grandchild, he was always ready to play. He cherished spending time with his kids playing kickball and building backyard fires, riding bikes, flying kites, throwing a frisbee or football, attending baseball games, and vacations to visit family in Michigan. His kids were always excited to be treated to a "special thing," an event of their choosing around their birthday. Some of his favorite memories were out on the boat on Doctors Lake skiing, knee boarding, fishing, shrimping, and counting alligators. As the kids grew older, the adventures got bigger. Among Rick's biggest adventures were cruising the Pacific Ocean on a navy aircraft carrier and visiting the Beaches of Normandy with his son Josh, touring the famous cities of Europe and biking among the windmills in Holland with Danielle, relaxing on remote beaches in the Philippines, walking through rice fields and outdoor markets, horseback riding in the mountains of Sibalom, and racquetball in Boracay with Aaron, cheering the Gators in The Swamp and kayaking Florida's rivers with Zachary, and hiking the mountains out West with Christian. His grandchildren loved spending time with "Papa," or "Grampy." He still got down on the floor to wrestle and play, enjoyed reading to them before bed, and skated at birthday parties. His visits were always exciting, filled with laughter, lots of play, and special treats like ice cream and cookies.

He started work as a youth pastor in the Midwest and Texas for 12 years before he made a career change and moved closer to family in Florida. He ultimately worked as a Truck Driver at Southeastern Freight Lines for 32 years. He began working the dock, then became a local delivery driver in the city of Jacksonville, and later transitioned to regional driving, delivering valuable goods all over the southeast. During his time as a driver, he received numerous awards during his three decades of driving with an impeccable safety record. He planned to retire May 2026. Everywhere he went, people were greeted with a firm handshake, a warm smile, and often a song bursting from his heart, with the message that Jesus loves you. He was proud to work for Southeastern Freight Lines who, he boasted, "Had never laid off an employee", and he gave tremendous credit to the Christian founders for their guiding principles – "Take care of your people, they will take care of customers, and the profit will take care of itself." He embodied that philosophy every day he went to work.

Those who had the privilege to meet Rick on a racquetball, tennis, or pickleball court saw an intensity in him that few people maintain after their youth. He played hard, and he played to win. He could run down any shot, run you all over the court, and strategically be everywhere he needed to be. When he lost a tough point, he would call himself out in frustration, then turn around in the next breath to congratulate you on a great shot. He played racquetball as a lifelong sport and enjoyed playing for 25 years with a local group at Cecil Field and LA Fitness. He recently became an avid pickleballer with a dedicated group of players at Ringhaver and WE Varnes parks. He enjoyed the camaraderie and competitive spirit among his friends.

Rick has been a faithful member of The Springs Church since 2015 and was involved in the Singles Ministry until he began to care for his mother in her final years. Previously he attended Evangel Temple, where he sang in the choir and played on the softball team. Rick recognized himself as a sinner, saved by grace through faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is now with the Heavenly Father enjoying the rewards of a life fully dedicated to Christ.

He will always be remembered for his positive attitude, warm smile, the twinkle in his eyes, and songs that flowed from his heart; often right in the middle of a conversation.

Remaining to cherish Rick's memory are his children - Joshua, Danielle, Aaron, Zachary, and Christian; grandchildren - Wyatt, Vivienne, Alexander, Ashlyn, Cirilo, Ella, and Elliana; brother - Larry; sister - Donna; nieces and nephews - Todd, Titus, John, Cindy, and Brandon; and friends and colleagues all over.

Preceding Rick in Heaven are his parents, James Jr. and Betty Moore; brother, James Moore III; nephew James Moore IV and niece Suzette Bartus.

A Celebration of Rick's Life will be held January 10, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at The Springs Church in Orange Park, Florida. Refreshments will follow the service, to continue sharing memories of a beautiful life. To send flowers for the service, reach out to Park Avenue Florist in Orange Park. Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, (904) 264-1233, is serving the family.

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