Community Mourns Moore’s Passing

Toombs County citizens are mourning the loss of dedicated community servant, Robert L. “Bob” Moore, who passed away at age 71 due to sudden illness on Sunday, May 11.

Though he was born in Swainsboro, Moore soon made his way to Lyons, moving with his family to the area in 1967. He went on to graduate from Robert Toombs Christian Academy in 1972 and later obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1976 from Mercer University, where he also earned a lifetime membership in the Mercer University President’s Club.

After graduating from college, Moore returned home to Lyons, where he served as mayor from 1986 until 1996. When his father died, Moore returned to his family’s business, Lark Builders, Inc., as CEO for 45 years. Moore also owned the Jab-O Metal Fabricating Company in Swainsboro with his business partner Don Flanders.

Moore dedicated several years of his life to investing in the community, as he served on the Board of Directors for Montgomery County Bank, the Toombs County Chamber of Commerce (now the Greater continued from page

Vidalia Chamber), and the Toombs County Development Authority. He was a board member for Bankers for Progress and served on the Boards of First National Bank and Trust of Vidalia and the First Union Bank.

He also gave back to his alma mater, as he was the Finance Committee Chairman for Robert Toombs Christian Academy from 1994 until 1996, and served on the school’s board of directors.

Moore volunteered his time to improving beyond Lyons into the Southeast Georgia region, as he was a member of the Georgia Rural Development Council and was the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Secretary.

He is a former member of Vidalia Rotary Club, Lyons Lions Club, and First Baptist Church of Lyons. He helped to charter The Oaks Baptist Church and is one of many individuals who insured that the church would succeed.

On behalf of Lyons, Mayor Willis NeSmith, Jr., commented on Moore’s passing. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Mayor Bob Moore, a devoted public servant who loved his hometown and gave so much to our community,” he remarked. “His civic spirit and dedication to Lyons will not be forgotten. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Michelle Johnson of the Toombs County Development Authority commented, “Members and staff were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of outstanding Former Chair Robert “Bob” Moore, Jr. An Authority member from 2000 until 2004, Mr. Moore was an instrumental player in Toombs County’s economic development efforts and deeply involved in numerous projects of local existing industries, including Giro Pack, Oxford, Savannah Luggage Works, Trane, Truax Veneer, and Tumi.”

Moore’s life was celebrated by friends and family during a funeral service at The Oaks Baptist Church on Thursday, May 15.