James Buddy
Moore
May 24, 1933 - June 5, 2026
James “Buddy” Moore, age 93, of Florence, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026. Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 9th, from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Florence. The service will follow at 1:00 pm at the church with Brother Roger Mardis and Brother Bryan McEntyre officiating. Burial will follow at Greenview Memorial Park.
Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Mary Ruth Jackson Moore. His son Mike Moore (Bebe) and his daughter Kathy Moore Clemmons (Jim); Granddaughters Mary Moore LaBrecque (Brett), Orlando, FL, Katie Clemmons (New York, NY) and Maggie Clemmons (Washington, DC); great-grandson, Teddy LaBrecque
Buddy is a Sheffield native and a 1951 Graduate of Sheffield High School. At Sheffield High School, he played football for four years and was Co-Captain of the 1950 Team.
He entered Florence State Teachers College (now UNA) where he received a BS Degree in History, Economics and Political Science. He lettered four years in football and was an ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate. He also met the love of his life, Mary Ruth Jackson, to whom he was married for 70 years.
He earned a Master’s Degree and an Educational Specialist Degree from the University of North Alabama and served the education field for 35 years.
Buddy was commissioned as a 2nd Lt in the U.S. Army and served active duty for two years. Upon his discharge, he joined the Alabama National Guard as a 1st Lt and afterwards served in various command positions in the Guard. His last assignment was as The Adjutant General in command of the Alabama Army and Air National Guard. He retired as a Major General with forty-one years of military service.
His educational and coaching career started at Deshler High School in Tuscumbia, Alabama where he taught Government and Economics while serving as the Assistant Football Coach. After two years at Deshler, he was appointed Athletic Director, Head Football and Track Coach where he served a total of 12 years.
He accepted the position of Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Scottsboro High School in Scottsboro, Alabama for one year before moving back to the Shoals to become the Assistant Principal, Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Coffee High School in Florence, Alabama for the next 10 years, and was promoted and served as Principal of Coffee High School for 9 years.
His Accomplishments include
UNA Sports Hall of Fame
Colbert County Sports Hall of Fame
Lauderdale County Sports Hall of Fame
UNA Alumni of the Year Award
American Red Cross-National Volunteer of the Year Award for the Armed Serviced Emergency Services
Member of Phi Kappa Phi
Distinguished Service Medal, U.S. Army
Legion of Merit, U.S. Army
In-lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Red Cross.
Visitation
June 9, 2026
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Funeral
June 9, 2026
1:00 pm
Interment
June 9, 2026
3:00 pm
In-lieu of flowers donations to The American Heart Association
Interment
Greenview Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Old Chisholm Rd, Florence, AL, USA
June 9, 2026 3:00 pm
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13 Comments on “James Buddy Moore”
Coach Moore was the most memorable and influential faculty member during my time at Coffee High School. I had the honor of seeing and speaking with him at our Class of 1974 50th reunion social event.
Rest in Peace Coach
I would call and talk to coach one day he said let’s do lunch we met at Joe wheller we set and talked for a while.One time I went by the school to see him they told me me he was in a meeting I told her I would wate .She told him I was there he close the meeting and told me to come on in.I was in the national guard and would run in to him .I had to watch myself not to call him coach.l loved Coach Moore he was a good man .He will be remembered for a long time.I have none a lot of good men in my life and he was one of them.Prayers for the family.
Had the honor of being a student of Coach Moore’s at Deshler. Got married my senior year and my husband was in the National Guard under General Moore. I can honestly say he was the most memorable teacher I ever had. He never called his sudents by their first name, it was always last name only. He touched so many lives both as a teacher, principal and leader in the Guard. His legacy will live on thru his students and family. GO REST HIGH ON THAT MOUNTAIN COACH.
Mary Ruth, my heart hurts for you and family in your loss of Buddy! Sending my deepest condolences, love, hugs and prayers for each of you at this sad time. Nancy Bolton Borden
RIP BROTHER. Prayers for healing for the families and friends. May GOD’S Grace and Mercy continue to comfort you in the coming days 🙏🙏
Ms Moore. Wendell and I are thinking about You and Your Family.
General Moore and You are two of our favorites.
Sending Prayers and Love to You.
Wendell and Judi McLain
Mary Ruth, my name is Bill Williams and I served under General Moore and appreciated the friendship I had with him, he was a very fine man and helped a lit of folks. I remember coming to Florence and sitting you and Gen Moore we had a good time with lots of laughs.
My condolences to you and your family.
Buddy was a wonderful man and a great community leader. I truly valued him as a friend. I will always remember him.
Mrs. Moore, Kathy, Mike and family,
Susie and I extend our sincerest condolences to you all. Coach was a great coach, leader, and a man of great character who many looked up to and model. Looking back, my playing sports at Coffee under him makes you realize how much he played a part in shaping your life and future.
Prayers for you all.
Jeff and Susie Threet
Class of ’79
While most people remember Buddy Moore for his leadership as a teacher, coach, and general, my family was fortunate to be neighbors with the Moores for nearly 30 years. So I know him from chats in the yard where he always wanted to hear what I was up to and offer encouragement or visits over coffee where we heard stories from his incredible life. Grateful to have been able to celebrate their 93rd birthdays with them a couple weeks ago. We’ll miss you, Buddy! Thanks for being the best neighbor!
I remember Major General Moore as a true leader and a gentleman. He touched so many of us with his words of wisdom and guidance. He was Servant Leader. His mentorship will never be forgotten and will live long in the memories of our leaders, today and tomorrow. My thought and prayers to the Moore Family. It Shall Be Done!
The UNA family extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Maj. Gen. Buddy Moore. We are grateful for his connection to our institution and the impact he made on those around him. Our thoughts are with all who mourn this loss during this difficult time.
A great leader, mentor and friend. Rest High and in Peace. Mission Accomplished