John Kelly Moore of Vaughan, MS, returned to his Lord on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. He had been in the care of Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, MS.
John Kelly, the son of James Sims and Mable Dixon Moore, was born August 2, 1916. One of his favorite sayings was, “I’m all right.” How very true that is with the Lord as he is now perfect and whole.
John Kelly, a retired farmer, loved the soil and the land. He was such a hard worker who always made time for his family. Also, his extended family loved him and this was evident by all the kids hanging out in the pond where Uncle Kelly laughed and played with them as they swam and skied almost every Sunday, always quitting in time to get to MYF and Sunday night service.
John Kelly attended Deasonville School and graduated from Benton High School in 1936. He graduated from Copiah Lincoln Junior College in Wesson, MS, in the Class of 1938. After college, he began farming with his brother James H. Moore on the family place and continued farming until his retirement.
While he was in college, John Kelly acquired the nickname “Squirrel” from his favorite football coach, Hook Stone. John Kelly gained long-lasting friendships with his college friends where he was the manager of the football team. One autograph in his yearbook from his football buddy stated, “If you farm like you manage, you’ll be successful.”
Squirrel stuck with him through his Army years. He served in the 3rd Armored Division during World War II from February 1942 to October 1945, and he was stationed in England, France, Germany, and Belgium. John Kelly was a medic and a motorcycle driver who carried messages from the headquarters to the front lines. He also helped liberate one of the concentration camps. Surviving to 101 years old, John Kelly remained the oldest survivor of his “Army buddies.”
John Kelly and Helen were life members of Ellison United Methodist Church, where together they served as youth counselors for 15 years. John Kelly was known for his kindness, sense of humor, being a devoted husband and father. He loved the outdoors, especially bird hunting and deer hunting, really all hunting. He’s best known for his beautiful roses, where at one time he had over 500 rose bushes that he tended daily, along with farming.
John Kelly never wanted attention for himself and gave plenty to others. He amazed his family and friends with his determination and will power. At age 98, he bought a riding lawn mower, cut his yard, pruned the crepe myrtles, and planted two gardens. His actions were life lessons for his children and all who loved him. What a legacy he leaves!
John Kelly was preceded in death by his parents, Mable and James S. Moore; brothers James H. Moore and Clarence H. Moore; sister Annie Laura Alexander.
Survivors include Helen (Chapman McDaniel) Moore, his wife of 70 years; son Wayne Moore (Ann) and daughter Marilyn Moore Brunt (Danny). Granddaddy also is survived by his loving grandchildren and great grandchildren: Kelly Moore (Kristi), Austin, Lane, Luke; Kelly Scott Fulgham (Allison), Garrett, Emma Vaughn; Kristi Wade Jones, Tyler, Grace; Wendy Wade Tate; many loving nieces, nephews, cousins.
Services were June 15, 2018, at Ellison United Methodist Church.
Memorials may be made to Ellison United Methodist, 36 Brown Rd., Vaughan, MS 39179, in lieu of flowers.
