Obituaries

Frank James Moore

Frank James Moore, Jr., age 82, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away on Monday, June 21, 2021.   Frank was born October 21, 1938, in Newport News.  He was a longtime resident of Newport News before moving to The Villages, Florida in 1996.  
 
Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Oakley Moore; parents, Frank J. Moore, Sr. and Daisy Travis Moore; sister, Audrey M. Grigsby; and brother-in-law, Hank Maas.  He is survived by his four children, Frank J. Moore III (Cathleen) of Gloucester, Anthony Donald Moore (Carrie) of Newport News,  Melanie M. Boling (Steve) of Homestead, FL, and Rachel M. Deans of Newport News; sister, Phyllis Milne of Newport News; sister-in-law Pat Maas of Colorado; adopted son, Chris Hilton and his longtime companion, Shirley Hatten of Newport News; step-children, Beth Turner (Mike) of Newport News, Bill Oakley (Mae Ellen) of Manakin Sabot, VA, Ronnie Oakley (Debby) of Yorktown, and Randy Oakley of Dutton, VA; grandchildren, Sam, Caroline, Anthony, Christian, Adam, Benjamin, Lyndsay, Kaiti, Chris, Spencer, Trevor and MollyPaige; step-grandchildren Stephen, Michelle, Andrew, Victoria, Luke, Lisa, Casey, and Mitchell; 6 great-grandchildren; 12 step-great-grandchildren; and a myriad of nieces and nephews.
 
Singing was Frank’s passion.  He was at home in front of a microphone or on a stage.  During his life, he was a member of various choral groups and quartets, including The Newports (1950-60’s), Spruceville Four, The Retreads, Heart of Barbershop Chorus, The Village Voices, Villages Christian Chorale, Brothers in Song, Spruce Creek Melody Men, the Central Florida Opera at Celebration Church in The Villages, and several church choirs.  Frank was a true bass man, whose range included the lowest note on the piano.
 
Frank graduated from Newport News High School in 1956 and until only a few months before his death, still met with some of his classmates every Tuesday morning for breakfast or for lunch on Fridays.  He retired from Newport News Shipbuilding in 1993 after 34 years as a General Foreman.  His retirement was happily spent with Helen in the golf course community of The Villages and on weekends as a member of The Antique Automotive Club of America and the Mustang and Cadillac clubs until Helen’s death in 2009.
 
Frank returned to Newport News periodically from 2010 until 2018.  After his diagnosis of mesothelioma in January 2019, he remained in Newport News until his death.   The family would like to thank Dr. Scott Kruger and his staff, as well as Personal Touch Hospice, especially Christina and Chonel for their kind and compassionate care of Frank during his illness.
 
A memorial service of celebration of Frank’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 25, 2021, at First Presbyterian Church, 514 S. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, Virginia with a reception following.  Memorial contributions in honor of Frank may be made to First Presbyterian Church or to your favorite charity.  
 

8 Comments

  1. Fred & Debbie Proctor

    Praying for your family and asking for God to comfort you all with the loss of of your dear “Pop Pop”.

  2. Jo Watson Whitley and Robert Whitley

    Our condolences to the family. Frank was classmate and a soft spoken gentleman that will be missed.

  3. Alvin Mizelle

    The loss of a great friend! Grew up together as children and schoolmates. Frank was also an usher in our wedding in 1958. Performed together as members of “The Newports” and in a Gospel quartet from Orcutt Bptist Church in Newport News. Fantastic bass voice, one of a kind! Will be greatly missed not only for his talent, but our personal friendship. Our prayers are with the family. Jean & Alvin

  4. Debby Oakley

    Thoughts and prayers to all of Pop Pop’s family and friends. He was a kind and gentle man with a song in his heart. Thank you for being Casey and Mitch’s one and only Grandpa!!!

  5. Alvin Mizelle

    The loss of a dear friend! Frank an I grew up together as children and attended the same elementary and high school. He was an usher in our wedding in 1958 and he and I performed together as members of the “Newport’s and also a Gospel quartet from Orcutt Baptist Church. Frank was a fantastic bass singer and will be greatly missed not only for his talent but true friendship. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Alvin & Jean

  6. Melanie M Boling

    I’m so thankful that God gave me this precious guy to call Dad! His life defined active humility, and he was consistent in his character, no matter who he was with. I feel richly spoiled to have the privilege of being his daughter! What a beautiful example he has set for each of us to follow!

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