Billy Ralph Moore

Billy "Bill" Ralph Moore, 87, of Galatia,, formerly of Shawneetown, passed away January 9, 2025 at Harrisburg Medical Center. Bill was born in Shawneetown, Illinois to the late Charles and Irene (Winters) Moore. 

Bill married the love of his life, Lela Faye (Tate)  on April 5, 1959 at Tates Chapel Church in Galatia. Bill graduated from Shawneetown High School in 1956. He entered the Air Force in June of 1958 and was discharged in June of 1964. While enlisted he was stationed in Thule, Greenland where he loaded bombs for planes headed to Vietnam. In 2019, Bill took part of the Honor Flight that went from Marion, IL to Washington, D.C. with his son-in-law and sponsor, Robert Snyder. Bill was of Methodist faith and had been a member of Tates Chapel Church since he was marred in 1959. He was the treasurer of the church and the sexton over the cemetery at Tates Chapel. Bill was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Walpo Masonic Lodge, former member of the Galatia Lions Club and served on the school board for many years. He was also a member of the UMWA and retired from Peabody Coal Mines. Bill was a hard worker and always made sure he worked hard enough to give his family everything they needed and wanted. He was like a father to more than just his children, always including his son-in-law and daughter-in-law as one of his own. He was a great mentor to so many in his church, family and community. He loved his family and led them by putting the Lord first and leading by example. Bill loved to travel and share his love for traveling with his family. For the past 10 years he had a family reunion, getting them all together for a vacation. Memories were made that will last a lifetime. Bill was a wonderful husband and loved, cherised and adored his wife, Lela. 

Bill is survived by his wife, Lela Faye (Tate) Moore of Galatia; two children, Debra (Robert) Snyder of Harrisburg, Billy (Angela) Moore of  Jacksonville, FL, six grandchildren; Andrew Turner, Amy (Mark) Reeter, Joshua (Nicole) Moore, Justin Moore, Sasha Moore, Jordan Moore; three great granchildren, Kennedy Reeter, Emerson Reeter and Miles Reeter and many nieces and nephews.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Irene (Winters) Moore and two brothers, Bobby Moore and Pete Moore. 

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Sloan Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Sloan Funeral Home in Galatia with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until funeral hour. Burial will follow at Tates Chapel Cemetery in Galatia with Rev. Thad Galloway and Rev. Greg Hughes officiating and Military Rights by the Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard and the American Legion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tates Chapel Cemetery. 

Sloan Funeral Home of Galatia  in charge of arrangements.