CORNELIA, Ga. — Michael “Mike” Moore, 72, of Cornelia, Georgia, passed away May 2, 2023.
Mike was a small business owner for most of his career in a variety of businesses including a trucking business. He also achieved the goal of becoming a commercial pilot and flew an air ambulance. Mike was passionate about flying and would fly once or twice a day if able.
Mike channeled his passion and the “you won’t know until you try” attitude to help build the next generation of pilots. He encourages all of his aviation family to continue to provide mentorship to aspiring pilots either through a formal organization such as Young Eagles or to anyone who expresses an interest in flying.
Mike’s “happy place” as a child was the summers that he spent in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, with his extended family. He continued this tradition as an adult with “big boy toys” on ATV and motorcycle trips. Mike chose Beaver Dam as his final resting place.
Aside from his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dave; his sister, Judy Lane Bittle; and his nephew, Kiplin Todd Drake.
Survivors include his three sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff Moore, Tom, and Missy Moore, and Kevin and Kim Moore; his grandchildren, Katrina, Kennedy, and Noah; his great-grandchild, River; his “Sis,” Jahlena (Jeanni) Drake Hrabal; his nephew, Kris Drake; Kris’s children, Kaylah Drake Marquez and Timothy Todd Drake; and his nephews, Dave Jr. and Danny Moore. He was supported in his transition by his first wife, Pat Bartsch; his second wife, Debbie Moore; and her brothers, and his significant other, Kathy Ferrand; as well as his extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at William L. Danks Funeral Home in Beaver Dam, Kentucky. Burial will follow in Sunnyside Cemetery in Beaver Dam, Kentucky. Friends may visit with Mike’s family from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on June 10, at 3 p.m. at Mountain Airpark, 64 Runway Drive, Cleveland, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, Mike welcomes donations to either the charity close to his heart, Gift of Life, 6405 Metcalf Ave, Suite 109, Overland Park, KS 66202 (giftdonor.org) or to an aviation scholarship fund such as AOPA Foundation’s – You Can Fly or EAA’s – Learn to Fly.
Online condolences may be left for the family of Michael “Mike” Moore by visiting his memorial tribute at www.danksfuneralhome.com.
