Dr. William Elton Moore, Jr., DDS, passed away peacefully at his home on Dec. 6, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Billy was born on Nov. 18, 1937, and was 86 years young.  He was preceded in death by his parents William Elton "Bucky" Moore, Sr. and Mildred Greer Moore. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Tanya Wedgeworth Moore, son John Douglas Moore and daughter Lisa Moore Flower (Tommy); grandchildren Kent, Ella and Sydney Flower and his constant four-legged companion, Baylee. He was also a lifelong mentor/father to Dr. Eric Lewis and the reason Eric began his career in dentistry.

Billy's extended family includes many nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends and their children who became like family, many of whom knew him as Uncle Billo, "W", BK, WE, Wild Bill, or Bucky (in deference to his dad, the Dixie Flyer of football fame).

Visitation is 10 a.m. Thursday until services at 12:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Summit. Burial is in Hollywood Cemetery. Dr. Larry LeBlanc will officiate. Hartman-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers are Dr. Eric Lewis, Kevin McCarthy, Chris Schouest, Mike Ennis, Tommy Flower and Kent Flower. Honorary Pallbearers are Regan Lewis, Seth Lewis and the men of his Sunday School Class.

Billy was born in McComb and he cherished his lifelong friendships with his group known as the Dirty 5 which included Warner Alford, Stewart Brumfield, Harry Case and Bobby Hemeter. Billy graduated from McComb High School, Loyola University, and Loyola Dental School. He also spent a year at Charity Hospital specializing in Oral Surgery.

Billy started his dental practice in Summit MS in 1962.  He loved being a Dentist, working with his Staff and taking care of his patients. Throughout the years he continued to enhance his skills and knowledge and obtained certificates in Orthodontics and excelled in Restorative Aesthetic Dentistry.  He proudly passed his practice to Dr. Leslie Brewer, who he continually mentored even beyond retirement in 2008.

Billy was a man of countless talents and passions. He could build, repair or mend anything and was not one for idle time. Whether it was farming, tending to his yard or working on his camp, he enthusiastically collected all the tools needed, to jump into his many projects. He loved the Saints and was a longtime season ticket holder–actually, he fell in and out of love with them on a weekly basis, but he hung in for the long haul because he was faithful.
Billy also loved being on the water. Water skiing and scuba diving kept him entertained until he became absolutely obsessed with fishing.  His retirement years were spent at his fishing camp in Dulac, LA in constant pursuit of fish, shrimp, crabs, frog, alligator or anything else that was fun to pursue.

Billy loved catching, sharing, cooking and eating all the bounties of the bayou.  A special thanks to Chris and Cheryl Schouest for their loving friendship and for always taking care of Papaw in the bayou. Another special thanks to Eric and Lisa Lewis.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to Saint Jude Children's Hospital, Meals of Mercy (in care of FBC Summit) or Tunnels to Towers.