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 preceded 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
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34 Condolence(s)
John Belken
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Dr. Moore was the Executive Director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention when he brought my wife and I to Arkansas in 1983 where I would serve as the first state missionary intern assigned as a Correctional Chaplain. Upon my graduation from seminary, he brought us back to Arkansas in 1987 where I would serve full time for the Convention as a Correctional Chaplain at the Cummins Unit. Dr. Moore and I became close friends throughout the years. We would eventually attend the church together at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock. I was fortunate that I was able to speak to him approximately 2 weeks before his death. He knew his time on earth was short and he made it clear that he was ready to be with Jesus. He had remarkable faith and it poured out into those he met. I will miss him, but I know I will see him again. My prayers go out to his family.
Leroy and Sharon Casalman
Monday, October 20, 2025
Bro. Don was more than our pastor while at Grand Avenue - he was a friend. Always welcoming us with that warm smile and a heart of love. We will be eternally thankful for his input into our lives. Cindy and Jeff, we are praying for you and your families.
Becky Otwell
Monday, October 20, 2025
Bro. Don was my pastor at Grand Avenue Baptist for years before I moved to Spring, Texas. He was an awesome preacher and the best pastor/shepherd I’ve ever known. I’ll be praying for you, Cindy and Jeff and family, in the days ahead. I’m thankful that we do not grieve as the world grieves. Jesus is our HOPE!
gene boucher
Monday, October 20, 2025
Don Moore was mainly the reason I was married to Mary Voegele of Hot Springs for 53 years. Her brother, a pastor who had known him from Ouachita, told Mary that when she moved to Jonesboro with Arkla Gas, not to shop around for a church, rather go to Walnut St. BC where Don Moore is pastor. Don was also a close friend of Carlston "Red" Berry who was my best friend during our childhood years
Dr. Laura (McClendon) Wilson
Monday, October 20, 2025
Thinking about Donald brings back happy childhood memories in Greenwood. He was a distant cousin and a year older, but a good friend in high school. Loved him and his family.
Kent and Terry Martin
Monday, October 20, 2025
Cindy and Jeff - we are so thankful for the life of your dad. He is at the top of both of our lists as the person that influenced us for Christ in our early years. We got to visit with him on the phone on our 50th anniversary as he’s the one that married us - we cherish that. What an example of a man who loved Jesus and loved people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kent and Terry Martin
Ronnie williamson
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Brother Dan was a great mentor to me as a Church member and later as a pastor.. I surrender rd to the ministry under Brother Don‘s ministry.. when I describe Brother Dan, I tell people that brother Dan poured himself into my life.. When my wife was dying in hospice here in FORT SMITH brother,Don called me several times to try to encourage me and use scripture to do that. Thank you, brother Don. see you soon, dear brother.
Paul Seal
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Don was a genuine friend and mentor. I served on the Executive Committee of the Arkansas Baptist Convention during Dr. Moore’s tenure as Executive Director. He conveyed compassion for others and a genuine joy for ministry in God’s name. My prayers go with his family during this time of celebrating a life well lived.
Jane Roe
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Don was my cousin ( my mother Wilma and Aunt Dessa were sisters).
I know there was a great reunion in Heaven that will last forever.
Gods Peace to all of you.
Jane and Jason Roe
Janet Williams
Sunday, October 19, 2025
So grateful for Bro. Don’s leadership and ministry through the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family as you celebrate his legacy.
Sandy Neff Lasey
Friday, October 17, 2025
Brother Don, was a servant that advanced the Kingdom. He changed lives at Grand Avenue Baptist Church. He and Shirley invested in our lives and treated everyone as family. He made sure that we knew Jesus and proclaimed Him.
Because of Bro. Don and Shirley we will join them one day.
Cindy, Jeff and families, our love and condolences are with each of you during this new season.
Sue Orr
Friday, October 17, 2025
Bro. Don was our Pastor at Grand Avenue Baptist, he was a great man, he loved everyone & always there to meet their needs and I loved hearing him preach God's word. I was fortunate enough to get to go to Israel with him and make memories to last a lifetime.
Donna Doss Johnson
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Bro Don was at Elliott baptist church when I was a little girl of 9 years old. This little girl loved him and Ms Shirley. I was saved under his time there. I thought about them often as I grew up. They made a lasting impression in this girl’s heart. I never dreamed he would remember me and my siblings but in latter years he was in a revival close to Camden and he came in the bank where I worked. He told me he and Shirley always remembered us and had prayed with us through the years. What a blessing he was to my life. I’ll always hold his sweet memory in my heart. I am so sorry for your loss. I know Jesus was happy to greet him as he entered those pearly gates. Sending prayers for his family.
Doug and Tina McAllister nn
Thursday, October 16, 2025
We are forever grateful for Bro Don.
Debbie Moore
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Bro. Don was such an encourager and always so supportive through prayer. Always focused on sharing Jesus and the hope we have in Christ alone. He lived to please God, and by doing so was an example to all of us of what is truly most important in the life of a believer. I thank God for the life, ministry, and friendship of Dr. Don Moore.
Bob and Sharon Lever
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Don is my Hero of the faith. He was my pastor at Grand Avenue Baptist.
I loved his heart for prayer especially with senior adults.
He had a great talent of remembering your name.
Praying for family
James Hays
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Bro. Don gave me the privilege and honor of being his Pastor for these past two years since he moved to Searcy. Everyone in our Church Family greatly LOVED him, from the very youngest to our Senior Saints. Bro. Don Moore made such a huge impact upon our members, especially upon my life. As I told him a number of times, he was a True Spiritual Hero to me! He is already missed!
James Hays
Senior Pastor
Valley Baptist Church, Searcy
Helen Patterson Aregood
Thursday, October 16, 2025
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.
Jerry Gibbens
Thursday, October 16, 2025
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.
Norma Luper Ketcham
Thursday, October 16, 2025
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.
Brenda Hammons Butler
Thursday, October 16, 2025
We will miss Bro. Don's wonderful smile and beautiful spirit! He was truly blessed by God with his servant heart throughout his life.
Ferrell Moore
Thursday, October 16, 2025
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
RUTHY Lachman Paul
Thursday, October 16, 2025
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.
James & Lisa Reilly
Thursday, October 16, 2025
We love and will miss you, thanks for your friendship.
Becky Caudle-Corsar
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Because if Bro. Don, I’ll see you all in heaven! He led me to Christ & baptized me in 1981. ❤️
Dr. Ernie & Wanda Perkins
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Great friend, leader and pastor.
Rosanne Ramer
Thursday, October 16, 2025
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.
Rebecca Helm
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Bert Thomas
Thursday, October 16, 2025
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.
Eddie Conkle
Thursday, October 16, 2025
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.
Donna Parnell-Beasley
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Bro. Don was such a precious prayer warrior. I’’m thankful for his legacy.
Kristy Smith
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Jay Shell
Thursday, October 16, 2025
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.
Wade and Rebecca Totty
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
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.