Tommy Moore

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Thomas Benjamin Moore, Jr. affectionately known as Tommy, was born on December 1, 1945, in Jackson, Mississippi, to Thomas Benjamin Moore and Bryce Elizabeth Wilburn Moore. He grew up in Jackson, where he attended Murrah High School and formed lifelong friendships that remained dear to him throughout his life.

Tommy attended Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College), where he played football for four years. He returned to Jackson to attend medical school at the University of Mississippi. During his third year, he met the love of his life, Rebecca Ann Bullen, a nurse in the emergency room. They married on November 24, 1970, beginning a devoted marriage that would span more than 55 years.

Following his graduation from medical school in 1972, Tommy joined the United States Navy. He, Becky, and their oldest daughter moved to Portsmouth Virginia, where he completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. They later moved to Bethesda, Maryland, where he completed fellowship training in cardiovascular disease at the U.S. Naval Hospital. By this time, they had welcomed all four of their children. The family spent two additional years in Chesapeake, Virginia, where Tommy continued his service in the Navy.

In 1982, the Moore family moved to Joplin, Missouri, where Tommy joined Dr. Mitch Stinnett, Dr. Joe Graham, and Dr. Frank Corcoran, who had established the cardiovascular program at St. John’s Regional Medical Center. Tommy was deeply passionate about medicine, continually learning and dedicating himself to the care of his patients. He treasured the colleagues who became lifelong friends along the way, especially Rob Dalton, his longtime nurse and dear friend.

Tommy held a special place in his heart for veterans and genuinely enjoyed listening to their stories, adventures, and reflections on life. After 37 years of caring for patients in the Joplin area, he retired in 2019, leaving behind a lasting legacy of service and compassion in his community.

Tommy possessed a wonderful sense of humor and loved a good practical joke. His quiet wit and playful spirit brought laughter to those fortunate enough to know him. He never sought the spotlight or wanted to be the center of attention. Instead, he found joy in caring for others and in the simple pleasures of life. He loved waterskiing, snow skiing, and fishing. When he and Becky met, her father, Joe Bullen, introduced him to quail hunting, which became his favorite pastime.

Tommy and Becky brought their medical training, strong family values, and Southern charm to Missouri, creating a warm and welcoming home for their four children and their friends. Their lake house at Beaver Lake in Garfield, Arkansas, became a special gathering place. There, Tommy and Becky gave their children and their friends something they deeply valued: a safe place to come together, enjoy the outdoors, and create lifelong memories.

After the family closed that chapter in 2000, Tommy embraced what would become his most treasured role in life: Grandaddy. His 11 grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy, and being their Granddaddy was a title he wore with particular pride. Some of his sweetest moments with his grandchildren were filled with silly jokes, tractor rides, and endless milkshakes.

Tommy’s faith was rooted in Jesus Christ. He recognized God’s goodness throughout his life and shared that goodness abundantly with those around him. He was always giving of himself, his time, and his heart. His graciousness made people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. He was often described as the perfect Southern gentleman and one of the most caring doctors his patients could have hoped for. To his children, he was simply the perfect dad.

Tommy passed away on November 3, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of love, faith, kindness, and quiet generosity that will live on through all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Rebecca “Becky” Moore; their four children, Lisa Hunt and her husband, David, of Boise, Idaho; Christy Lewis and her husband, Troy, of Dallas, Texas; Joe Moore and his wife, Molly, of Washington D.C.; and Annie Hafer and her husband, Jeff, of Joplin, Missouri; and his 11 cherished grandchildren.

The Moore family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends, family members, and caregivers whose warmth, compassion, and devoted presence have surrounded Tommy and his family during the final chapter of his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be sent to Life Choices or Peterson Outdoor Ministries in Tommy’s name.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary.




Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Park Church with Pastor John Swadley officiating. A private burial with full military honors will be held by the family following the service.




Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary.