Certainly, various staff members are familiar with each of the inductees, and all agree that the five are certainly deserving of the honor.
But Jack Moore will always mean something extra to The Easley Progress.
Jack worked as an ad salesman from 1985 until his retirement in 2003. As is often the case with a weekly newspaper, Jack covered many jobs that were beyond the description implied by the title of his position. His photography was excellent, and provided the newspaper with several tremendous front feature photos over the years. He also ran our weekly truck routes, delivering papers to stores across the area. And he was our unofficial “morale director,” keeping us laughing through the trying times of deadlines.
I personally benefited from Jack’s photography knowledge as he was always willing to help a dim-witted young college graduate figure out how to take action sports photos. Jack was never the kind to resist sharing his knowledge for fear of losing his spot at the newspaper. Nobody could fully replace Jack Moore.
My earliest memories of him came from when I was a kid, listening as he provided color commentary and play-by-play for high school games on WELP-FM every Friday night. I was too young to go to the games by myself, but I remember may cool Friday nights coming home, getting a bowl of salmon stew, and sitting by the radio as Jack Moore made me feel as if I were there.
As I’ve gotten involved with out “Through The Years” and “Chronicles” collection of historic photos, it has surprised me how often a photo of an youth baseball or football team would include a smiling coach named Jack Moore. He contributed to the community, despite his busy schedule at the radio station.
If you haven’t seen Jack lately, it’s likely because he keeps moving. He travels, and still enjoys playing disc jockey for beach music concerts.
My former boss Jerry Vickery used to call Jack, “Easley’s oldest teenager.” I think that’s a pretty good description. Youth is more a state of mind and spirit. And the Easley High School Athletic Hall of Fame can be proud to have the spirit of Jack Moore as an addition.
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