Bobby Joe Moore, 85, of Columbia, KY passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2023 leaving behind an enduring legacy as a devoted husband, father, and businessman. He was born to Lawrence and Terry Hayes Moore on Weed Ridge in Adair County, KY on April 2, 1937.
Bobby attended Big Creek School in Gradyville. After finishing school, he worked a variety of jobs. At the age of 16, Bobby drove a panel truck transporting flowers for Kerbow’s Nursery. He then moved to Louisville to installing cable, but soon after moved to Chicago for more lucrative work in the factories. It was in Chicago that Bobby met Jerry Elaine Lawless, who was also a Kentucky native from Russell County. The couple returned to Kentucky and married on May 30, 1958 with beloved family and friends to witness the union. They lived in Casey County for a short time, but soon made their home in Adair County, where they raised their five children.
After returning home, Bobby worked alongside his father and brother at Moore’s Grocery in White City, and also drove a school bus for Adair County Board of Education. Bobby served in various positions as a public servant: serving as a police officer for the city of Columbia in the 1960s, an employee for the Kentucky State Highway Department, and commissioner of the Adair County Road Department. Forever a servant, Bobby also ran for the elected positions of Adair County Judge Executive and Adair County Sheriff. During most of his working years, Bobby operated large equipment on various road and construction projects across the state.
In 1981, Bobby, along with his wife, Jerry, began operating B&H Poolroom, which was located on the square next to the old Loy’s Department Store. Seven years later, in February 1988, Moore’s Poolroom opened at its current location next to the Columbian Theater on the southwest side of the square. Thirty-five years later, this Columbia institution stands as a tribute to the diligence and hard work of both Bobby and Jerry. They have prided themselves on tasty home-cooked meals, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
On most days, Bobby could be found sitting cross-legged at one of the dining tables amidst the clacking of pool balls, bustling traffic of lunch-goers, and jubilant conversations of the locals. He always offered a friendly hello in his gruff voice, a pat on the back, and an immense smile. Bobby made everyone feel like a friend.
For those who frequent the poolroom, it isn’t uncommon to find music booming from a radio or local musicians playing keyboards and guitars. In the past, inevitably, Bobby would take Jerry by the hand and sway her among the tables, whirling as if they were the only two people in the place. They were dance partners for over 60 years until her death in 2018. Bobby will be eternally laid to rest next to Jerry on a hillside in Columbia Cemetery.
Bobby was a member of the Russell Heights Baptist Church.
Bobby leaves to cherish his memory:
5 beloved children: Melinda “Lindy” Gay Pineur, Timothy “Prill” Joe Moore (Angel Smith), Kimberly Kay Coffey, Charlotte Elaine Hare (Eric), and Chad Jeremy Moore (Michelle), all of Columbia
12 adored grandchildren: Tessa Nicole Salmon, Samuel Brent Pineur, Erin Jewel Pineur, Natalie Ryan Moore, Brandon Blair, Candace Rhiannon Sneed, Brandon Dale Coffey, Bethany Lauren Holtzclaw, Roger Lucas Coffey, Elliot Jansen Hare, Irelynn Kaye Moore, and Lundon Grant Moore
22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild
Special friends: Bo Murphy, Jane Potts, and others
Besides his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by three brothers: Thomas Moore, Wayne Moore, and Danny Moore; and two sisters: Elsie England and Doris Gathof.
Public Visitation: After 4:00pmCT on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home
Funeral Service: Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 1:00pmCT at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home
Internment: Columbia Cemetery
Pallbearers: Chad Moore, Joey Stargel, Lucas Coffey, Elliot Hare, Gavin Bernard, Greysen Bernard, and Gage Bernard
Musical accompaniment by Bernie Bricker.
Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
