Charles Galen Moore

SHREVEPORT, LA - Charles "Charlie" Moore, 80, of Shreveport, passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, September 15, 2015. He lived his life in a manner we could all aspire to emulate. Born January 14, 1935 in Woodlawn, TX to Chessley and Lillian Moore, Charlie entered this world in a Texas & Pacific Railway section house, born in the same room as his father. The family eventually moved to Shreveport where he graduated from C. E. Byrd High School, Class of 1953. He became a Trumpeter and rose to the rank of Captain of the band and would go on to found a Dixie Land Jazz band called the "Dixie Cats," well known throughout the area. Charles discovered his love of flying, earning his Private Pilot's license in 1951. At the age of 16, he soloed under instruction from his uncle, Captain Everett Nix. During summer breaks, he worked for Wisener Aerontoics in Pecos, TX flying crop dusters, some of the most exciting flying a pilot will ever experience. After receiving a scholarship from Centenary College, he continued his music studies and founded "Mannie's Dixie Dandies', a six piece jazz band, and played professionally throughout the Ark-La-Tex. During high school, Charles met and later married the love of his life, the lovely Mary Anne Johnson. They married on July 13, 1957 and celebrated 58 happy years together. Until death did they part, Mary Anne remained his best friend, confidant, and devoted wife. In 1955, Charles began his professional career with J.B. Beaird Co. as a draftsman. At Beaird, he would become a Mechanical and Industrial Engineer, serve in many management positions, and ultimately rise to VP for Government Sales. Charlie remained with Beaird until he retired with distinction in 2000 as VP of Sales. His charisma and 45 years of leadership would nurture successful customer relationships with Westinghouse Turbine Division, G.E. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Division, G.E. Turbine Division, Martin Marietta Missile Division, North American Shipbuilding and many others. One of Charles' favorite accomplishments was building a second home on Toledo Bend from 1972-1975 with an extremely talented group of his closest friends, including his brother Price. The camp was Charlie's retreat. With Mary Anne, they made great memories, hunting, fishing, and making fine music. He took great joy in teaching his Grandson's Beau and Hunter to fish, hunt and appreciate the art of making music. It was a source of tremendous joy. The relationship that Charlie built with Price and his family, and his closest friends were marked by love, support, fellowship and good times. Charles was "that guy" you could always call on, always helping others quietly, any way he could. He lived his life, morally and with great distinction. He was a charismatic gentleman, a devoted husband, an amazing father, a loving brother, an artist, an engineer, a pilot, and a musician. He was an artisan woodworker, an accomplished marksman with a pistol, a golfer, but most of all, he was our friend. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Welding Society, The Petroleum Club, and the Southern Trace Country Club. Charles is survived by his loving wife, Mary Anne, son Clif and his wife Karen, grandsons Beau and Hunter, brother Price and his wife Mary Nell and many beloved nieces and nephews. Visitation and vigil will be held at Rose-Neath Southside Chapel, Friday, September 18, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be held Saturday, 2:00 p.m. at Holy Angels Chapel, 10450 Ellerbe Road, Shreveport, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows, 9894 Norris Ferry Road, Shreveport, LA 71106.