Hollie T. Moore

Born on January 24, 1937, in Rose Hill, Alabama, Hollie was the youngest of three children of Oscar and Velma Moore. His beginnings were humble and marked by the resourcefulness of rural life. He was born in a one‑room shack with no running water and a single electric bulb hanging from the ceiling. Family lore lovingly recounts that his parents paid the attending physician with two bushels of collard greens and a chicken, and that Hollie Truman received his name in honor of two of his father’s Navy buddies.

In 1955, Hollie enlisted in the United States Navy, serving on the destroyer U.S.S. Jarvis until 1958, followed by reserve service until 1963. During his time in the Navy, Hollie experienced the most important turning point of his life: he became a Christian. While stationed in Long Beach, California, he met believers involved with The Navigators, a parachurch ministry known for discipleship and scripture memory. Their influence shaped Hollie deeply, and after his discharge from active duty, he chose to remain in Long Beach to continue serving at the Long Beach Service Men’s Center, a Navigator‑run ministry.

Hollie later followed a Navigator mentor to Chicago, continuing his ministry involvement while working at Scripture Press. It was there he met Winona Klingenberg, the woman who would become his cherished partner in life and faith. They were married on January 13, 1962, in Wheaton, Illinois. Shortly after their marriage, the newlyweds returned to Long Beach, where they were actively involved in the Navigator community. Hollie and Winona welcomed their two sons, Randy and Ed.

Family life was filled with adventure. Hollie loved camping and took his young family to deserts, mountains, and beaches throughout California. Stories from those trips became treasured family lore—such as spending Christmas in a tent, or Hollie joining his sons on backpacking trips that included unexpected snowstorms and mornings spent forcing on frozen boots.

Hollie’s professional life was shaped by a skill he first learned in the Navy: barbering. He cut hair in numerous barber shops in California before ultimately returning to Phenix City, Alabama, where he barbered for forty years, eventually owning Northside Barber Shop. Hollie was a highly skilled barber, holding the title of Master Barber for fifty‑eight years. More importantly, he was a mentor and father‑figure to many who worked alongside him, and he was beloved by countless regular customers.

While in Phenix City, Hollie’s lifelong hallmark of scripture memory blossomed into more ministry opportunities. He diligently memorized hundreds—perhaps thousands—of Bible verses, carrying them in his heart and speaking them with ease. He and Winona eventually joined Central Baptist Church, where Hollie’s fluent knowledge of the Bible and his love for God’s Word were evident to all who knew him. He mentored many young men and served faithfully in the AWANA Club and numerous Vacation Bible Schools, passing his love for God and Scripture to generations.

In 2019, Hollie and Winona moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to spend their final season of life together.

Hollie is survived by his sons Randall (Randy) Moore and wife Charlene, and Edward (Ed) Moore and wife Lynn.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty‑four years, Winona Moore; his parents, Oscar and Velma Moore; his brother, Omar Moore; and his sister, Mary Parker.

Hollie will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his gentle spirit, his devotion to Scripture, and his deep love for his family. His life was a testimony of perseverance, humility, and quiet strength.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 2:30pm until 3:00pm EDT in Lakewood Hall at Striffler-Hamby in Phenix City, AL followed by a Celebration of Life Funeral service at 3:00pm. A private burial will take place Monday, September 14, 2026 at Lakeview Memory Gardens in Phenix City.