Fred James Moore

Fred James Moore age 84 of Murray, KY, died Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at his residence.

Fred was born May 14, 1941, in Terre Haute, IN, to the late James Moore, and the late Ruth Willis Moore.

He graduated from Ben Davis High School and did a 2-year tour in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Following the Army, he returned to academia to complete a master’s degree in mining and engineering. Over the years, his career in the engineering field took him across the country, including positions in South Dakota, Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana. He also worked as a stockbroker and energy analyst before retiring. Upon retiring, Fred continued to enjoy travel and adventures. For nine years, he sailed alone in a sailboat, which included the east coast of the US and parts of the Bahamas. He eventually anchored in Murray, Kentucky, where he parked his boat “Ein Geti” right in his front yard — a symbol of the extraordinary life he led.

He cherished lunches with his friends at the senior citizen center, where laughter and stories were always on the menu. He had a deep and unwavering faith, and an even deeper joy for life. He always chose to look on the bright side of things and never dwell on the negative. His favorite saying was simple but powerful: “Keep smiling.”

Survivors include his daughter Lorraine (Wade) Walla of Milwaukee, WI; his sons Thomas (Anita) Hotchkiss of Cody, WY, and Andrew (Marina) Moore of Colorado Springs, CO; nine grandchildren, a great grandchild, with another to be born soon; and his former wife and mother of his children, Barbara Hotchkiss.

Additional survivors include his chosen family, Bridgett Hill, and her family; and Harry Anderson and his family; with whom he shared many years of friendship and laughter.

Ridgeway Funeral Home 201 Dunlap St./ P.O. Box 788. Paris, TN 38242, will be handling the arrangements. Per Fred’s request, his remains will be cremated.

A service to celebrate Fred’s life will be held at the Murray Calloway County Senior Citizens Center located in the Weaks Community Center in Murray, KY.

The day and time of the service will be announced when final arrangements have been made.