Sammy Joe Moore

Sammy Moore, age 84, of Carthage, Texas, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, at his home in Carthage.

Sammy Joe Moore was born on October 6, 1941, in Minden, Louisiana, to the late George Pierce Moore and Dorothy Louise “Sallie” Lazarus Moore. He graduated from Carthage High School with the Class of 1960 and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. During his military service, Sammy learned and developed skills in auto mechanics and motor repair—skills he continued to enjoy as a lifelong hobby.

Following his honorable discharge, Sammy attended Panola College. He married the love of his life, Frances Kay Lovett, on June 10, 1966, in Carthage. Sammy began his professional career at Bell Helicopter in Arlington, Texas, where he earned his certification in airplane maintenance. He worked for Amoco Production in Carthage. In 1981, Sammy was transfered by Amoco to Corsicana, where he later worked for Crown Petroleum. 

He eventually went into business for himself, forming SJ Moore, Inc., serving as a lease owner-operator in the oil and gas industry. After a downturn in the industry, Sammy continued his strong work ethic by joining the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in the Dallas area, where he worked until his retirement.

Sammy was actively involved in his community, holding memberships in the Carthage Noon Lions Club, the Jaycees, the IOOF Gaiety Lodge, and serving for many years with the Carthage Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed fishing and hunting deer, dove, rabbit, and especially squirrel. Above all, Sammy was devoted to his family and cherished his grandchildren beyond measure.

A man of deep faith, Sammy was a devoted Christian who never missed an opportunity to share the Gospel—with friends, coworkers, employees, and even strangers. As a young man in Minden, he led his church’s Royal Ambassadors group of 75 boys. While living in Corsicana, he found great joy in serving in his church’s ministry to children with special needs. Sammy continued faithfully serving the Lord at Central Baptist Church in Carthage, where he served as a deacon, sang in the church choir, worked as a youth leader, and taught Sunday school for many years. He was also well known for his love of frying fish for his Central Baptist Church choir family.

In addition to his parents, Sammy was preceded in death by his grandson, Ryan Cantrell, and by his siblings, George Garland Moore and Susan Jones.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of nearly 60 years, Frances Moore of Carthage; daughters, Jodi Kay Bratcher and husband Randall, and Kristi Jo Williamson and husband Jon; grandchildren, Samantha Jo Thompson (Brandon), Jonathon Williamson (Paige), Matthew Williamson (Madeline), and Hope Williamson; great-grandchildren, Ryan Wayne Thompson, Blake Walker Thompson, and Stetson Krue Williamson; and special friends, Bill Arnold and Bobby Anderson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Central Baptist Church, with Bro. Paul Gwinn and Rev. Kevin Otto officiating, under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery, with Military Honors provided by the Barksdale Air Force Base Honor Guard and a Final Rites Ceremony conducted by the Carthage Fire Department.

The family will receive friends during a visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff and nurses of Accent Hospice/Home Health, including Madi, Teresa, and Bianca, and to Tina with Visiting Angels, for the compassionate care shown to Mr. Moore.

Memorials may be made to the Central Baptist Church Youth Department, 220 W. Sabine Street, Carthage, Texas 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.