Richard Glenn Moore's Obituary
Richard Glenn Moore, 74 of Gainesville died unexpectedly on Friday, September 29, 2017. He went back to his ocean source to become one again and to be at peace with the universal calm. In life, he combined his love of architecture and art to make beautiful ceramic vessels and playful “flying art” toys.
Richard was born on April 22, 1943 to Glenn Dalton Moore, Jr. and Dorothy Elizabeth Messenger in Marietta, Georgia. He grew up in the Venetia subdivision of Jacksonville, Florida and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1960. At the University of Florida he switched majors (medical to architecture). Military draft rules during the Viet Nam War required completing a degree "on time." Since his degree was delayed he was drafted into the Army in 1967. After training, he was promptly sent into combat in Viet Nam. He was discharged as a sergeant two years later in 1969, receiving a Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and five commendation medals. He resumed studies at UF in 1970 and completed a Professional (5-year) degree (1971) followed by a Master's degree in Architecture (1973). Richard taught architecture at Texas A&M from 1973-1980. He earned a Masters in Art (1981) and Masters in Fine Art (1983) at the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas.
Thereafter, he practiced architecture at Neptune Beach, Florida. In early 2003, Richard moved to Hawthorne, Florida after inheriting his great-grandfather's 130 yr.-old Moore Hotel, now Hawthorne Apartments, a Florida Heritage site. There he met and later married Bonita Dewiliby, an artist and Professor of Graphic Design at Santa Fe College for many years (now retired). Richard built their art studio in Hawthorne, which he and Bonita shared. They spent many hours together working and creating their art in this wonderful space.
Richard was first and foremost an artist and craftsman beginning in childhood. He was brilliant in so many ways, well read, philosophical, witty, full of love for his family and friends, fiercely independent, and a wonderful gentle soul.
Richard is survived by his loving wife Bonita, brother Robert (Pat), niece (Jenny), nephew (John), cousins Debbie Brown and Dale Moore, and many close friends. He also left behind his cat family, Opi, Sissy, ChingChing, Sammy and Mr. Mistoffelees.
Richard was buried in the Micanopy Historical Cemetery in a private service on Tuesday, October 3, 2017, officiated by WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Richard's life in the beautiful yard behind the Hawthorne Apartments beginning at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 28, 2017. In lieu of flowers, family and friends are invited to donate to the Hawthorne Area Historical Society at P.O. Box 1988, Hawthorne, Florida 32640.
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