James Ward Moore

James Ward Moore of Selmer, TN departed this life on October 20, 2016 at his home at the age of 86 Years, 5 Months, 5 Days. He was born May 15, 1930 in Finger, TN the son of the late Marlie B. Moore and Ollie Mable Massengill Moore. He was united in marriage to Betty Jean Wright on August 25, 1948.

Ward retired from Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer in 1992 after 40 years of service. He served as McNairy County Coroner for 40 years. He served on the Selmer Utility Commission for 20 years of which 10 years he served as Chairman. Ward served as Sheriff of McNairy County completing the term of Sheriff James Dickey who was killed in an accident in 1964. He was a 48 year member of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Association. He previously worked for the McNairy County Highway Department for approximately 2 years. He was elected twice to the former McNairy County General Hospital Board. Ward was a member of Buena Vista Methodist Church. He was a 50 year Mason at Selmer Blue Lodge #743. He was a longtime coin collector and dealer.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Jean Moore of Selmer, TN; a daughter, Patricia Sealy and husband Jerry of Florence, AL; two sons, Terry Moore and wife Jannelle of Cincinnati, OH, Roger Moore and wife Rose of Bethel Springs, TN; nine grandchildren, Jill Salter and husband Jeremy, Todd Sealy and wife Flavia, Michael Sealy and wife Ashley, Carson Moore and fiancee Amber Futrell, Jason Moore and fiancee Rachel Pollard, Amber Monroe and husband Grant, William Moore and fiance Meredith Grogan, Bryce Moore, Wesley Moore; three great grandchildren, Sealy Salter, Marlo Salter, Jane Sealy, and two great grandchildren soon to be born, Ada Beth Monroe in October and Juliana Sealy in December. Also survived by a sister, Marlene Wilkins and husband Virgil of Henderson, TN; a brother, Malcom Moore and wife Nancy of Fayetteville, GA; a host of extended family and friends.

Memorials may be made to Buena Vista Methodist Church.