Ernest Lee Moore

Ernest Lee Moore, 84, of Hickory passed peacefully into the Lord’s presence on November 18, 2020, at his residence, after a lengthy illness. Born in McKeesport, PA, on January 1, 1936, he was the third son of William and Mary Moore. Ernest grew up in a Christian home, regularly hearing the gospel. One snowy night in January 1946, at age 10, he understood through Isaiah 53:5 that Jesus Christ died for his sins, trusting Him as Lord and Savior. He was baptized and received into fellowship at McKeesport Gospel Hall, where he was an active member.

After graduating as an aeronautical engineer from Carnegie Technical Institute, Ernest moved to Niagara Falls, NY. He married Katherine Pinches of Niagara Falls in 1962, and together they were active in their local church, first in Niagara Falls, and after a move in 1963, in Manchester, CT. Two children, Virginia and Philip, were born in CT.

From an early age, Ernest had a love for souls and an interest in missionary work, and he often helped with gospel outreaches wherever he lived. He worked for eight years as an aeronautical engineer, first at Bell Aircraft in Niagara Falls, NY, and then at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, CT. At that time, the Lord called the couple to full-time missionary service. In 1966, Ernest & Kay and their two small children traveled to Chile, S.A., as missionaries. Two more daughters, Deborah and Rebecca, were born there. Ernest had been interested in pioneer gospel work, and after several years of working alongside other missionaries in Talca and Curicó, the family moved to Osorno, in the south of Chile, their home base for many years.

The Osorno area is part of the Lake Region of Chile, and Ernest enjoyed taking his young family on excursions to experience the natural beauty of the many lakes and volcanoes, the nearby Andes Mountains and the Pacific coastline. In keeping with Ernest’s love for souls, his greatest desire was to know that his children were ready for eternity. To his great joy, his four children were saved and continue active in their local churches.

Through his years of service, Ernest had many opportunities to preach the gospel and teach the Word of God throughout Chile. He also traveled extensively in Argentina, Venezuela and Bolivia, preaching the Word and encouraging local churches. He was a faithful student of the Word of God and had a deep knowledge of Scripture, authoring a dozen or so books of Scripture studies both in Spanish and English. Ernest also had great musical talent; he loved playing the piano and singing hymns.

In 2014 Ernest was diagnosed with PSP (progressive supranuclear palsy). In 2017, as his disease progressed, it became necessary to leave Chile and relocate to Hickory, NC, where he and Kay became a part of the local fellowship. They remained in their home in Hickory, where his wife lovingly and faithfully cared for him until his departure to his heavenly home.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Moore, and two brothers, Donald Moore (as an infant), and Stanley Moore. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Katherine; four children: Ginny (David) Turnbull of Claremont, NC; Philip (Beni) of Hickory, NC; Debbie (Tom) Turnbull of Canton, MI; and Becky (Bob) MacLeod of Catawba, NC; 13 grandchildren: Kathy, James (Chresty), Bobby, and Megan Turnbull; Emily, Benjamin, Angela, and Jeremy Moore; Matthew Turnbull, Rachel (Ben) Morphet, and Hannah Turnbull; Lauren (Billy) Haynes, and Robbie (Kaylan) MacLeod; and one great-granddaughter, Oaklee MacLeod. He is also survived by three siblings, William (Betty) Moore, Arlene (Paul) Robinson, James (Cindy) Moore; his sister-in-law, Chris Moore; and his mother-in-law, Helen Pinches.

A graveside service will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, November 20, 2020, at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Hickory, with Philip Moore (son) and Bob MacLeod (son-in-law) officiating.

Memorials may be made to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658 (carolinacaring.org), or Venezuela Relief Fund (VRF), c/o Truth and Tidings Gospel Trust USA, 37177 White Tail Court, Farmington Hills, MI 48335 (gospeltrustusa.org).

Condolences may be sent to the Moore family at www.drumfh-hickory.com

The Moore family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home in Hickory, NC.