Hugh Moore

Gilbert “Hugh” Moore Jr, 71 of Sanford passed away Monday June 24, 2024.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 13, 2024 at 11am at Buffalo Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends starting at 10am in the sanctuary.

Hugh was the son of the late Gilbert Hugh Moore Sr and Lavonna Deel Moore. He was born on February 4, 1953, in Hampton, Virginia. As a child, Hugh and his family moved frequently for his father’s career as a salesman. Most of his childhood was spent in Charlotte and Greensboro. He graduated from Davidson College in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Following college, Hugh served as a United States Peace Corps volunteer in Iran for a year before attending law school at the University of North Carolina from 1975-1978. Hugh first practiced law in Louisburg for a short time and then moved to Sanford where he was a well-respected attorney for more than 40 years. He was devoted to his career and was passionate about working toward justice and advocating for people from all walks of life. Molly McElveen, his office manager, was his trusted right hand for nearly his entire career.

Sanford was home for Hugh, and he was actively involved in the community. He participated in many local organizations throughout his life including the Optimist Club, Haven, Friends of the Library, the Hispanic Task Force, the Lee County Board of Elections, Willing Hands, and the local Democratic party. Kiwanis Park was one of his favorite places to exercise. Hugh had a love for words and looked forward to Sanford’s annual Spelling Bee competition.

Anyone who knew Hugh knew his love for UNC and Carolina sports. Depending on the season, he could be found at Kenan Stadium, the Dean Dome, or Boshamer Stadium cheering on his beloved Tar Heels. He took sports seriously and was always in a good mood after a Carolina victory.

Family was important to Hugh, and he dearly loved his three sisters. For many summers, the Moore Family vacationed at Emerald Isle creating beautiful memories. Hugh was proud of his nieces and nephews and was a special uncle to them.

One of the greatest joys of Hugh’s life was being Elizabeth’s father. He passed on to her his love of politics, trivia, music, and travel. They shared special trips to London and Spain. Watching Elizabeth grow up brought him great pride, and he thought very highly of her husband, Stuart. In his last year of life, Hugh became a granddaddy to James, and perhaps this was his favorite title of all. James could always make his granddaddy smile and filled him with tremendous happiness.

Hugh will be remembered as a smart, humble, generous, witty person who lived life to the fullest. He made the world a better place and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Mr. Moore is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Grace Moore (Stuart Thomason) of Morrisville; grandson, James Lasater Thomason; sisters, Wanda Hunter (Tye) of Chapel Hill, Debbie MacDonald (Steve) of St Augustine, FL, and Libby Smith (Nelson) of Rocky Mount; best friend, Dr. Howard James; special friend, Laura Farmer; former wife, Virginia Moore; beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephew.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Friends Service Committee @ afsc.org; Amnesty International USA @ amnestyusa.org; or Doctors Without Borders USA @ donate.doctorswithoutborders.org.