Paul Thomas Moore, 79, of New Castle passed away suddenly and peacefully at his Virginia Mineral Springs home on December 23 with his beloved wife, the former Anna Lee Bell of 59 years, by his side. Moore was born on November 11, 1937, in Roanoke County to the late Carlton K. Moore and Mary Cauley Moore. The family moved to Craig County in 1947.
In addition to his wife Anna, Paul is survived by 2 sons, Vance Bartley Moore, wife Martha and Vincent Doyle Moore, wife Vickie; 2 grandchildren Brandon Moore and Nathaniel “Chad” Carper, wife Elaina; 1 great-grandson Ian Moore; sisters Helen Moore Sublett, Mary Rosa Abbott, husband Earl; brother Howard K. Moore, wife Sandra; brother-in-law Eddie Bell, wife Nora; sister-in-law Betty Bell; numerous nieces and nephews.
Paul was preceded in death by granddaughter Melissa Moore; brothers Claude E., Samuel D., William C., Robert L., John N. Moore; brothers-in-law Fred Sublett, John S. Bell and Jerry W. Bell.
After high school, Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force and retired in 1975 with over 20 years active service. He spent nearly half of his time in overseas assignments with the last being Da Nang, Vietnam. In recognition of his service, he received the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal and National Defense Service Medal, among other awards.
In 1975 after his retirement from active duty, Paul joined Craig Valley Post #4491, Veterans of Foreign Wars in New Castle, where he has been active at all levels. He served as Post Commander 1980 thru 1983 and served as Post Quartermaster, a position he held for 29 years. He served two terms as District 6 Commander, elected at the State Convention and served as State Commander of Virginia during 1999-2000 and was selected as an All-American State Commander by National Headquarters. He has served on committee at all levels and was a National Council Member representing members of Virginia and West Virginia for the years 2002-2004.
Paul was very active in promoting programs for our youth and helping our veterans. He began helping the Boy Scout Troop at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, later serving as Scout Master for three years. Later he served as District Chairman of the Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen Programs for student in grades 6 thru 12 in our schools. Paul was also very active in special programs for our hospitalized veterans and at the Veterans Care Center, assisting on both Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.
In addition to being a life member of Craig Valley VFW Post #4491, he was also a member of Craig Healing Springs Christian Church, Masonic Lodge AF & AM #140, New Castle, DC Shanks Royal Arch Chapter 31, Salem.
Funeral Services were held 2:00pm Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Paitsel Funeral Home with Pastor Cody Rader officiating. Interment followed at Bell Family Cemetery with full Military Rites. In lieu of flowers, donations were made to the Masonic Lodge, New Castle or the VFW Post #4491. Arrangements made by Paitsel Funeral Home.
