Howard Moore, age 72 of Murfreesboro, passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2016. He was a native of Rutherford County and the son of the late James Ollie and Jessie Mary Cook Moore. He was also preceded in death by son, Shawn Moore, sister, Carmine Sullins, brothers, Frank Moore and Donnie Moore.

Funeral service will be 1:00pm Friday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Dave Brown will officiate. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carolyn Moore, son, Darrell Moore (Maureen) of New Jersey, sister, Frances Carroll (Johnny) of Murfreesboro, several nieces and nephews, and a rowdy pug dog named  "Bocephus".

Mr. Moore graduated from Central High School in 1962, worked for Mingle and Elrod, steel fabrication and erection from 1960 until 1974, minus two years in the U.S. Army (1965-1967). Mac Elrod and Howard opened the first retail welding supply business in Murfreesboro in 1974. Sold the business in 1981 and remained with the company as store manager until his retirement in 2002. He worked for Nissan part time as a welding instructor at the Pre-Employment training center, also worked part time as a welding instructor at the Tennessee Area Vocational School and his last job was part time convenience center operator for Rutherford County Solid Waste at Weakley Lane and Rockvale.

Mr. Moore's hobbies include "Big Orange" Football and Basketball games, he enjoyed several trips to Knoxville to see them play. He has always been a New York Yankee baseball fan. He enjoyed metal working projects after retirement and just enjoyed work and listening to classic country music.

Mr. Moore was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church and the Alanon "Serenity Group" where he did service work when he was able. The faith that the "God of his understanding" gave him came from these two groups and the rest came to Howard as he observed life unfold.

Active pallbearers will be Rick Tidwell, Clyde Matthews, Corey Mooneyham, Billy Rowland, James "Goose" Davenport, Rick Howse, Pete Kellogg and Bobby Francis.

Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. Jimmy Carter, Dr. Thomas Cheatam, Mac Elrod, Wayne Nobles, Bernie Steen, Gene Earp, Doss Alexander, Charles "Ike" Davis, Robert Leahew, Dale Nash, Hank Williams and Chuck Clark.

Visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00pm Thursday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. www.woodfinchapel.com