of Searcy, AR
November 18, 1933 - October 14, 2025
Dr. Don Moore, son of Herschel and Dessa Moore, passed from this earth on October 14, 2025. He was born November 18, 1933, in the farmhouse his father built following the First World War. The fifth of six children, he is survived by his sister, Arlene O'Neel of Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was proceeded in death by his brothers Roger and Trueman Moore and sisters, Wanda Watts and Rosemary Looney.
After graduating from Greenwood High School, Don attended the University of Arkansas on an agricultural scholarship before answering a call to ministry and completing degrees at Ouachita Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
In 1955, he married Shirley (Terrell) Moore. They were married for 38 years before her death in 1993. Together, they raised two children: Cindy (Moore) Spicer (Gearl) of Norcross, Georgia, and Dr. Jeff Moore (Deanne) of Searcy, Arkansas.
Affectionately known as Bro. Don, he began in ministry as Minister of Youth and Music at First Baptist Smackover, Arkansas. Later, he pastored churches in Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas before serving as pastor of Grand Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas from 1970-1982.
From 1982-1996, Don served as Executive Director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. He previously held leadership as President of the Pastor's Conference and was President of the ABSC (1974, 1975), later teaching at OBU, and serving as interim pastor in twelve churches during his semi-retirement. He also ministered to IMB missionaries worldwide during his decades of ministry.
His ministry influence extended nationally as well--preaching at the Southern Baptist Convention in Atlanta, serving on the SBC Nominating Committee, and teaching in the New England Baptist Convention. Don also served as trustee of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.
In 1995, Don married Nita (Miller) Moore, and three more children were added to the family: Terri Garner (Dale), Dawn Carroll (Brian), and Mark Miller. He was blessed with fifteen grandchildren and twenty-nine great-grandchildren.
In later years, his ministry focus became prayer, particularly encouraging senior adults to lead in praying for revival and awakening. For Dr. Don Moore, prayer was the exclamation point of a lifetime of ministry. He leaves behind many who will remember him as a man of integrity and encouragement-one who God used greatly for his kingdom purposes, and whose legacy of faith and prayer continues to inspire all who knew him.
If you would like to send condolences to the family please reach out to Roller-Daniel Funeral Home at 501-268-3546 for contact information.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to:
Arkansas Baptist Children's Home
9701 W Markham St
Little Rock, AR 72205
abcfm.org/give-now
I'm so sorry to hear of Bro. Don's passing. He was the Pastor at Elliott Baptist Church when I was just a small child. I remember my Mama (Jeanette Patterson0 and Mrs. Shirley being good friends. i know that Brother Don is now in the presence of Jesus. I can only imagine the reunions he is experiencing. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Dr. Moore was a dear friend to me and to Williams Baptist University. He was also ''best buddies'' with my dear friend, Rev. Jim Tillman.
That BroDon was great man is an understatement . The ways that God used him will be forever present in the life's that were changed through his ministry including mine. Praying for Cindy and your family, Jeff and your family love to all of you.
We will miss Bro. Don's wonderful smile and beautiful spirit! He was truly blessed by God with his servant heart throughout his life.
I recall the happy early years when we traded visits at your family farm or my home in town. So sorry we weren't able to be closer as adults. Godspeed, cousin. Ferrell
My dear friend Cindy,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your father, Don Moore of Searcy, Arkansas. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. He touched so many lives, and I know how much he meant to you and your family. May his memory be a blessing and bring comfort during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones. I wish you and your family much strength and comfort.
Born: November 18, 1933
Passed away: October 14, 2025
If you need anything or just want to talk, I am here for you forever.
We love and will miss you, thanks for your friendship.
Because if Bro. Don, I'll see you all in heaven! He led me to Christ & baptized me in 1981. ❤️
Great friend, leader and pastor.
Cindy and family, I am praying for you'all. Bro. Don was definitely a special man from God. I always loved hearing him preach. I know you take consolation in know where he is and that you will see him again some day.
I join the thousands who were friends with Bro. Don. He has left a legacy for his family to remember. Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of our Lord.
I was so blessed to meet Don while traveling with Gearl Spicer through Arkansas on three occasions. Our conversation together about Jesus and life in general was amazing and life changing.
Bro. Don was such a precious prayer warrior. I''m thankful for his legacy.
I will miss Bro. Don. He was a regular at ABSC events and was such a positive and Godly leader, friend and encourager to me. He was a unique and precious gift to Arkansas, particularly Arkansas Baptists. I will miss him. I am praying for the family.
Bro. Don, was a good friend and trusted mentor to me (Wade) since the early days of ministry. I valued our prayer times, phone conversations, and shared worship times. He gave me so much great advice over the years. I will miss him here, but we will meet again in Heaven. We pray for God's grace and comfort for the family.