Wilford Wil W. Moore

Wil was born in Denton, Texas, to parents Minnie Ann & W.O. Moore. He graduated from Oklahoma A&M—including ROTC—in 1938. His work history is vast and varied with the bulk of his career being spent in aviation, including being owner/operator of Ace Aerial Photography, Inc. for over 50 years. He was married to Melba Allin from 1940 until her passing in 1971. He married Mary McCall in 1972.

Wil was a devout follower of Christ who served and worshipped in several protestant churches in the Oklahoma City area. Among his affiliations and positions held are Cub Master for Boy Scouts, Deacon and Elder including being elected as Clerk of the Session, Governor of Quiet Birdmen, President of OKC Aviation Club, and President of Air & Industrial Kiwanis Club. He was also a member of a Men’s Bible Study and Men’s Dinner Club. Wil was awarded a Mr. SAFI certificate for work on the Semi-Automatic Flight Inspection program. During his career in aviation, he developed procedures and instrumentation vital to the aviation industry, specifically in the area of flying in weather at night, as well as being a pioneer in the aerial photography field. Wil made aerial photographs of the 1947 Woodward Tornado and, on May 3, 1999, the Moore tornado. He was the only aerial photographer cleared by the FBI to photograph the Murrah Building disaster.

Wil was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Melba; brother, E.S. Moore; a baby sister; and grandson, Todd Allin Moore. He is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Larry (Mary) and Gordon (Sharon); daughters, Leah (David) Howlett and Eden (Brian) Hinton; 9 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and one great-great nephew.

Contributions to the Wil Moore Memorial Fund can be made to Vintage Church at 3601 S Broadway #1300. This fund will be used to help men and women preparing to enter the ministry.