ORLANDO, Florida (8 Nov 2008) — John Leroy Moore lived, and ultimately died, doing what he loved. An avid fisherman and scuba diver, Moore worked for the weekend -- spending all his extra time and money on the water. Known to fishing buddies as "Little John," Moore stood 6 feet, 5 inches tall and weighed more than 250 pounds. His stature, and big personality made him a popular fixture at fishing spots such as Mosquito Lagoon and diving spots such as the Keys. Moore, 55, of Orlando died Saturday at St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach following an unknown illness contracted while scuba diving in Jupiter. "The only reason he worked was to make money to support his hobbies," said his nephew, Mark Moore of Orlando. Born in Baltimore, John Moore moved to Orlando as a child when his father was transferred. He graduated from Lyman High School in 1971 and served with the U.S. Marines for four years. Throughout his career, Moore spent time working for the Winter Springs Police Department, Martin Marietta and Motorola. At the time of his death, he was employed at Sprint. But no matter what his occupation, his passion was always for outdoor sports. An enthusiastic fisherman, Moore liked to steer his Maverick flatboat 20 miles offshore. "I always thought that it would be the Coast Guard calling to tell us he was lost at sea," Mark Moore said. "Johnny just got carried away when he was out on the water." For years, bass fishing was Moore's specialty, but he had become more involved with salt-water fishing in recent years. For the past five years, Moore took his love for the water and expanded it to scuba diving. His final dive was one in a series of 20 needed to earn his scuba teaching certification. | | John Leroy Moore, 55, died after he was severely injured while scuba diving in Jupiter, Florida. When he couldn't be on the water, Moore spent time on the golf course. "Fishing was his first love, followed closely by scuba diving and golfing," Mark Moore said. "His ideal job would be a night shift, so he could be outside during the day." Moore's love of the outdoors didn't stop him from being close with his family. "Our family has had no greater loss," Mark Moore said. John Moore is survived by his mother, Faye Moore of Fern Park; his brother, Stuart Moore of Winter Park; and his sister, Janet Gibson of Longwood. Seven nieces and nephews, and three great nieces also survive. St. Richard's Episcopal Church, Winter Park, is handling a memorial service. |
