Samuel LaVelle Moore

Samuel LaVell Moore was born on December 5, 1949, in Rockdale, Texas, to Sammie and Gracie Moore. In the early 1960s, the Moore family relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where Sam would build a life rooted in faith, family, and community. He was the eldest of eight children and carried that role with quiet strength and responsibility.

Samuel accepted Christ at an early age. He began his education in Rockdale before continuing his schooling in Tucson, where he attended Utterback Junior High and Safford Junior High. He graduated from Pueblo High School in 1968. Shortly after, Sam began a long and dedicated career in printing, first at Tucson Medical Center and later with Commercial Printing, from which he eventually retired.

A devoted husband, Sam shared a loving marriage with his wife, Wordia Ann. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters, who were the pride and joy of his life. Family meant everything to Sam. He was an involved and loving father and later a deeply proud grandfather. He coached his daughters and grandson and dedicated many years to coaching youth throughout the city, pouring into countless young lives with patience and encouragement.

Sam was a gifted athlete and passed his love for sports and athletic ability down to his siblings and family. Though a childhood illness prevented him from participating in school sports, it never diminished his passion for the game or his impact as a coach and mentor. To know Sam was to love him he was kind, attentive, and always willing to listen. He loved sports wholeheartedly and was a devoted Los Angeles Dodgers fan, as well as a loyal supporter of the Arizona Wildcats and Arizona Cardinals.

Sam enjoyed staying informed and loved keeping up with the news. He and “Granny” could often be found spending hours watching television together, engaging in thoughtful conversations about politics and sports. A true mama’s boy, Sam’s deep love and respect for his mother reflected the foundation that shaped his gentle spirit and generous heart.

Samuel was preceded in death by his parents, Sammie and Gracie Moore, and his brother, Nolan Moore.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Wordia Ann Moore; his daughters, Margo Moore and Rori Moore; and the loves of his life his grandson, Tahmani Williams (known to him as “Grandpa”), and his granddaughters, Lynnex Thompson and Londyn Thompson (known to him as “Papa”), all of Tucson, Arizona. He also leaves one special sister, Joy Watts of Tucson, Arizona; five brothers: Hasan (Vicie) Mustafaa of Cedar Hill, Texas; Rasheed (Lisa) Murad of Crowley, Texas; Jerryl Moore and Randall Moore of Tucson, Arizona; and Jeffrey (Christina) Moore of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He is also survived by two aunts, Velma Wesley of Houston, Texas, and Zenata Bowens of Rockdale, Texas; extended grandsons DeAndre Williams and Jayden Tamplin of Tucson, Arizona; one brother-n-law and two sister-n-laws; special neighbor Ben Thomas; childhood friend Bobby Tatum; special family friends Larry and Linda Ray of Tucson, Arizona; and many beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Sam will be deeply missed. Though he now rests, his memory will never fade.