The Honorable William Jeffrey “Jeff” Moore, 69, of the Prospect Community, departed this life on September 1, 2026. He was born July 16, 1957 to Henry and Deloris (Dial) Moore.

Judge Moore was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Brenda Jane Johnson Moore; his parents, Henry and Deloris (Dial) Moore; and grand-parents: Charlie H. and Marie (Sampson) Moore, and Donnie and Agnes (Locklear) Dial. He was the great-grandson of Rev. William Luther Moore, one of the seven founding members of UNC Pembroke (UNCP). Rev. Moore helped establish the Croatan Normal School (now UNCP) in 1887, and UNCP’s Moore Hall bears his name. TheCroatan Normal School was designed to train Native American teachers. This legacy of education, service and community responsibility was one that Judge Moore carried with great pride throughout his life.

To cherish his memory, Judge Moore is survived by his daughters: Lauren Breshen Moore Bolton (William Brandon) and Briana Page Moore; five extraordinary grandchildren, who were a tremendous source of joy and happiness in his life: Bristal Kenady Moore, Emry Skye Bolton, William Declan Bolton, Remi Blake Bolton, and Atlas Jack Moore; two brothers: Charles Kelly Moore and Kenneth Ray Moore; a host of nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family, friends and colleagues. He was particularly grateful for the care and attention given freely by his sister-in-law, Carolyn Johnson Locklear, BSN, RN, and niece, Keenya Locklear, MSN-Ed, BSN, RN, during his illness.

Judge Moore is a 1979 cum laude graduate of UNCP (formerly Pembroke State University), earning a BS degree in Psychology, minoring in Philosophy and Religion. He was employed as a Program Director at Southeastern Regional Mental Health. His career path led him to UNC Chapel Hill School of Law, graduating in 1985 with a Juris Doctorate. His first law position was a staff attorney with the Lumbee River Legal Services, working alongside his mentor, the late Julian Pierce. Judge Moore remained in this position from 1985 to February 1989. He later joined the Robeson County District Attorney Office as an Assistant District Attorney in 1989, where he remained as a prosecutor for more than seven years.

In 1996, Judge Moore was first elected to serve as District Court Judge for North Carolina’s Judicial District 16B in Robeson County. He remained in this position for nearly three decades, serving the people of Robeson County faithfully and fairly until his retirement in December 2024. During his last election in 2016, Judge Moore was endorsed for the Office by more than seventy-five of his peers, primarily practicing attorneys and Judges (sitting and retired).

Separate but closely connected to his work in law was Judge Moore’s passion for education. He was an Adjunct (Lecturer) Professor at his alma mater, UNCP from 1988 to 2006, primarily teaching business law. His first UNCP assignment was to complete a business law course taught by the late Julian Pierce. Judge Moore was also an Adjunct Instructor with Robeson Community College from 1986 to 2004, teaching business law.

Judge Moore was a “no nonsense” Judge. He understood people and was willing to consider reasonable explanations for inexplicable actions, but never accepted “excuses”. He had little tolerance for those committing theft and who failed to support their vulnerable children. Yet, he was fair, carefully weighing the evidence before him and rendering his decision. Judge Moore made people feel seen, valued, supported and encouraged, always accompanied by his unmistakable “dry sense of humor”. His near eccentric flair for fashion made him the “best dressed” Robeson County Judge.

Most importantly, Judge Moore loved his family. His daughters, grandchildren, brothers and those closest to him will remember, not only the Judge, but the husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law and uncle whose impact is ever lasting. For those who were fortunate to be among his “inner” circle know his humble spirit and determination grew from his roots in those cotton and tobacco fields of Prospect, and a family history that transcends generations. That shared history created unbreakable bonds even in death. He was kind, humble, gentle, a pillar of strength, courageous, humorous, fiercely loyal and always seeking life’s elusive balance. When we see snow, we will remember that it reminded Judge Moore of cotton he once picked and all its beauty. Rest in peace Judge Moore, your work on earth is done! 

Legacy Funeral Home is honored to serve the Moore Family.