of Helena,
May 22, 1927 - March 29, 2017
John Owen ''Froggy'' Moore, Sr., passed away early Wednesday morning, March 29, 2017. He was born May 22, 1927 in Culverton, Georgia. In World War II, he served in the Navy and served in the Army during the Korean War. He attended Mississippi State University, where he played football and earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering. Those years solidified his unwavering belief in the importance of learning and his unfaltering optimism towards Bulldog football.
After graduation, Moore spent several years teaching for the VA agri program. He then joined Helena Wholesale, where he helped launch an agri-services division that fostered Phillips County's first independent cotton scouting program. He later went on to co-found JMJ Planter Services. Moore's pioneering work lead to the formation of Sprayrite Manufacturing Co., Inc. in 1960 and an eventual cover story for Farm Journal.
Moore's passion for efficiency and innovation drove to engineering designs that gained attention not only in the South, but world-wide. Sprayrite's efforts aside, he farmed throughout his life with operations in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
For the past 50 years, his constant partner and best friend has been his wife Billie Jo (Cooke) Moore. Despite his tireless devotion to work, his love for and life with his family was his greatest joy. He loved his children dearly, and the Moore house was a bustling center of activity for much of his life. Active, athletic, and competitive beyond his collegiate days, his children knew not to expect pulled punches at tennis, basketball, swimming, or sailing. He was also a board member of DeSoto School, Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association, Codi-Cide, and trustee for the Presbyterian and First United Methodist Church.
He always enjoyed social events that could include his famous dance move, the Camel Walk. The man was nothing if not engaging, whether in a debate, playing Boggle, story-telling, singing his quirky folk songs, or playing chess with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Edith L Moore and Lewis P Moore, a brother Warren, and two sisters Carolyn and Jean. He is survived by his wife Billie, daughters Mindy Boggs (Larry), Annette Moore, Cathy Howe (Jay), Jamie Leppert (Patrick), Angie Stepp (Scott), and sons John O Moore, Jr. (Amy), and Dr. Pittman Moore (Casey), fourteen grandchildren, three great grandchildren and his special Mohead Family.
Graveside service will be held at Sunset Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at the Helena First United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 1, 2017. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Helena First United Methodist Church or DeSoto S
Service directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
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26 Condolence(s)
Brooke Cox
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Billy Jo and family,
I am so so sorry for your loss. Big prayers for you all!!!
Rodney Lasureles
Saturday, April 1, 2017
sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. John he was a very nice man an he give me my first welding job after I got out welding school in 1988 at sprayrite,he was a really smart man with a gift for design of farm equipment.i will never forget him may god be with the family an Mr. John rest in peace my friend. Sincerely Rodney Laureles
Kathy and Smokey
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Billie Jo-
Kathy and I send our thoughts a prayers to you and your family on your loss. John was a good one and will be missed by us and lots of other people.
Again,our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy and Smokey
Barbara King
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Billie and family... I am sorry beyond words for your loss. John was a person we were all blessed to know and love. May God bless you and keep all of you in his care now and in the days ahead.
Jeff Heagwood
Friday, March 31, 2017
Sorry for your loss. Praying for peace over the family during this sad time
Mary Faust Barre
Friday, March 31, 2017
I am so sorry to learn of this. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this sad time.
Debbie Mohead Connelly
Friday, March 31, 2017
I am sad beyond words that I will not experience another wonderful hug from our "Uncle Froggy". I can't imagine what his children and dear sweet Billie Jo are feeling, but I am so happy he will join all of his Mohead brothers and sisters in heaven! Our family appreciates all of the Moore family sharing him with us for so long, as cousin Jim so eloquently expressed. A finer friend, gentleman, father, and uncle does not exist. Our love and prayers are with you all!
Billy Mohead
Friday, March 31, 2017
God blessed us with "Uncle Froggy" and the Moore family and we morn his loss, but rejoice in the reunion in Heaven. Prayers for his dear family.
LeVaughn and Joann Smith
Friday, March 31, 2017
He will be missed by many.
Lyn and Steve Toney
Friday, March 31, 2017
Sorry to hear of Mr. John's passing. He has always meant so much to so many. Prayers for your family.
Lisa Bass Dugger
Friday, March 31, 2017
I am so sorry for your family's loss. Keeping you in my thoughts & prayers.
James E Mohead, Jr.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Truly an All American friend, gentleman and permanent member of our extended Mohead Family.
Many thanks Billie Jo and all his immediate family for sharing him with us for a great many of his almost 90 years.
Our hearfelt prayers are with you.
Brenda Murray
Friday, March 31, 2017
Billie Jo and family: I am so sorry to learn of John's passing. Please know that I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Cheryl Centenio
Friday, March 31, 2017
Mindy, I want you to know that you have been in my thoughts since your Dad's passing. May Father assist you with the grief that comes with the death of a parent. Please take care. Sincerely, Cheryl Centenio
Lynne Yarbrough
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Prayers to the entire Moore family during this difficult time of loss. Though I did not personally know Mr.Moore, I can say that he fathered an excellent doctor, who exhibits such warmth and hope to his patients. Being a great father is one of the most important jobs one can have, and he certainly excelled in this endeavor. We live on eternally through the good humans that we raise and leave behind.
Wilma Mansfield
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Billie and family, my heart hurts for you during this time. You will all be in my prayers for peace and comfort. Even though we know John went to be with our Heavenly Father, it does not lessen the grief of those left behind. There is no timeframe for grief. Cry when you need to, laugh together when you can and survive on the wonderful memories that you all shared. Billie, I have always admired you so much. You have been a great mentor to me through the DeSoto years and I will always love you.
Deane Cavette
Thursday, March 30, 2017
So very sorry to hear of your loss. You know we enjoyed getting to know him. He was a very sweet person. He will be so missed. May God bless you Billie and all of his kids.
Martha Duke Manley
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Billie Jo, just learned of John's passing. Where to start, from the point of your Mom & Dad
being friends with mine. When John hired Jimmie, and we moved in the house on the corner. When Warren was there. Well, I want mainly to say that John treated Jimmie and I with respect and would always discuss his many ideas with Jimmie. He was so good to us. We often spoke very lovingly of John. Hard to think that you and I have lost the loves of our lives. But you will carry on as John would want and expect,as I with Jimmie.
love you!
Curtis and Vicky Crisp
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Sorry to hear of Mr John passing away, and Will be Praying for the Family. Mr John, was Truly A Legend in His Time to Agriculture!
Sybil
Thursday, March 30, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Billie, please know that you and your family are in my prayers during these difficult days.
May God bless you and yours with his comfort peace and strength. Love you.....
Caren Mayer Orum
Thursday, March 30, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember him as being such a warm man. Sending love from my whole family.
Billie Sue Rohrscheib
Thursday, March 30, 2017
So sorry about this sweet man. He always had a smile, and time to say hello.
He will be missed by everyone that was blessed to have him in their life. He leaves a sweet family that he was so proud of. Billie Jo, and children, we will keep you in our prayers. Love Henry and Billie Sue Rohrscheib
Cheryl Anderson
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Thinking of the entire Moore family at this difficult time. I had much respect for Mr. Moore. It goes without saying that he will be greatly missed by his entire extended family and friends. May the memories made throughout the years be of great comfort to Mr. Moore' family in the days ahead.
Very sincerely,
Cheryl Anderson
Pat Williams
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Billie Jo - I was so sorry to hear about John. He was such an amazing personality and we will all miss him so very much.
jim mayer
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Billy Jo & family everyone was blessed by knowing John the greatest family man,leader and friend to all who knew him. You are in our thoughts and prayers. He will be missed by all but remembered always for his great energy, leadership and friendship. Jim,Diane,Marla,Caren & Adam Mayer
Paula Hickey Oliver
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Jan and I are praying for the entire family and hope that God will wrap his loving arms around all of you and bring you peace.