Ben Leroy Moore

Ben Leroy Moore, 87, died peacefully at his home in Barnesville Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, with his wife at his side. He was president of Moore Chevrolet-Buick-Olds Inc., Lamar County’s largest new and used automobile dealership, until his retirement in 2013.

Born on March 2, 1935, in Butler, he entered Georgia Tech when he was 15 years old and graduated three years later with a degree in industrial management. He went on to earn his vehicle dealer certification from Michigan State University.

The son of B.F. and Clara Moore, he joined his father at Moore Chevrolet following a stint at Chrysler Corporation. He bought the Barnesville dealership in 1951 which he operated with his wife, Doris Moore, until their retirement. He also owned and operated Moore Automotive in Thomaston and Forsyth.

Moore was active in the Griffin Gun Club and was a past president and member of the board of directors at the time of his death. The ranges at the club are named in Moore's honor. He was awarded the Central Georgia Friends of NRA Friend of Freedom award in 2021 and was both a state skeet shooting and sporting clays champion multiple times.

He and his wife were named Businesspersons of the Year by the Barnesville-Lamar County Chamber of Commerce in 2009.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Sue Risi of Satellite Beach, Fla.

Survivors are his wife of 55 years, Doris Gasses Moore; a sister, Mary Ann Sullins (Harold) of Satellite Beach, Fla.; two sisters-in-laws, Betty Bowles and Rochelle Langford, both of Notasulga, Ala.; and a host of other relatives and friends. The family gives special thanks to Eternal Hope Hospice.

A memorial service was held Sunday, Feb. 19, at Barnesville First United Methodist Church, 375 Thomaston Street, in Barnesville. Rev. Ann Mann and Ed Thilenius officiated. Ben will be buried with his parents in Butler at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of one’s choice or Barnesville First United Methodist Church, 375 Thomaston Street, Barnesville, Ga.

Conner-Westbury Funeral Home, 1891 W. McIntosh Road, is in charge of the arrangements.

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