Bill J. Moore

Bill Jack Moore began his journey to his heavenly home on January 24th, 2024. Bill was born on May 12, 1930 in Chandler, Oklahoma, to Poston and Minnie Lee Moore, and was the youngest of his 2 older siblings, who he looked up to - brother Boris and sister Jo. His father, whom he esteemed and admired, was involved in the oil industry and traveled through Oklahoma and Texas for most of Bill’s childhood until they landed in Bakersfield, CA in 1946.

Bill attended Kern County Union High School and graduated in 1948. After graduating high school, Bill went to work with his father at Loffland Brothers until he enlisted in the Navy and worked as a 2nd class machinist during the Korean war. He enjoyed his time in the Navy, making lifelong friends with his shipmates, and even meeting new people abroad.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Bill went to work for Richfield Oil Company where he met the love of his life, Gail. Bill and Gail were married in 1960 and began to build their family, having 3 girls - Michelle, Marguerite and Cherese. With his bride by his side, he lived life to the fullest taking his family on frequent vacations, including camping trips and cross-country adventures.

Soon after Bill and Gail were married, he joined the Kern County Fire Department where he went through the ranks to Captain. His career in the Fire Dept spanned stations across the county, but he spent the majority of his career overseeing shift C in Station 12, Tehachapi. While working for the Fire Dept, his work ethic drove him to also own several apartment complexes, work in Real Estate, and own an excavation business. Bill also served on several school boards and entrepreneurial committees. Bill had a passion for work and people, so much that soon after his retirement from the Fire Dept, he worked another 17 years as a bus driver for Bakersfield City School District.

Bill never met a stranger, would lend a hand to all that needed it, and opened his home and his heart to everyone. And at the core of his being was his love for Jesus Christ. He was devoted to service in The Church of Christ, leading as a Deacon and then Elder for years. He modeled servant leadership, living out his faith in all actions.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Poston and Minnie Lee Moore, his brother and sister-in-law, Boris and Bernice Moore, his brother-in-law, Bill Creamer, niece Tracy Creamer, and grandson Hunter John Grell. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Gail, his daughters Michelle Mullen, Marguerite Rutherford (Steve), and Cherese Grell (Tim). His grandchildren Jason, Garrett (Meighan) and Tanner Cahill, Paityn and Caiden Grell, and great-grandson Noah Cahill. He is also survived by his sister Jo Creamer, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and those he considered family that he deeply loved.