Barnard “Barney” Moore | November 1, 1960 – May 5, 2022 | Obituary

BARNARD “BARNEY”‘S OBITUARY

Barnard “Barney” Moore, 61, of Lake Wales, Florida, died on Thursday, May 5. A beloved community member, Moore was an inspiration to many and a ready friend to all who met him.Barney was born on November 1, 1960, in Taipei, Taiwan, to Dorothy and Edmund Moore, while Edmund was serving in the United States Army. The family lived in multiple states and countries before settling in Lake Wales in 1973, where Barney lived the rest of his life.Although he was born with cerebral palsy, and spent most of his life in a wheelchair, Barney lived an intellectually and socially active life. He graduated from the University of South Florida in 1985, with a Bachelor’s in Public Relations, and was active in numerous civic organizations, including Circle of Friends, Lake Wales Care Center, First United Methodist Church, and as an inspirational coach for the Lake Wales Highlanders football team. He served for more than three decades with the Kiwanis Club of Lake Wales, including as treasurer and president. In 2002, Barney and his mother, Dorothy, were named Co-Citizens of the Year, by the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce.

One of Barney’s most significant achievements began in 2007, when he galvanized an effort to raise $250,000 for the construction of a fully disabled-accessible playground, known as Barney’s Dream Park. Its dedication was the culmination of a lifelong dream: “There should be a park where all kids can play together,” he said when the park opened in 2009. Located at North Lakeshore Boulevard and Tower Boulevard, the park has become one of Lake Wales’ most popular.

In addition to his civic endeavors, Barney was quick witted and loved to laugh; he wrote poetry, rooted tirelessly for Florida’s sports teams, and was a caring friend and family member who never forgot a birthday or how to make you smile. As the Lakeland Ledger wrote about him in 2015, “His spirit… knows no bounds.”

Barney is survived by his siblings, Charles D. Moore and wife Barbara of Lake Wales, Terry J. Moore and wife Tatyana of Winter Park, Eddie Moore and wife Toni of Australia, and Christi Moore of Titusville; Uncle Barney was a caregiver and friend to his nieces and nephews, Matt Moore and Melissa, Andrew Moore and Erika Beras, Ted Torpokov, Katya Toporkova, Sasha Moore, Anthony Moore, Madison Moore, Kaley Kasm, and Walter Kasm. He was preceded in death by his father, Edmund, and his mother, Dorothy.

He will be missed by all who knew him.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday, May 9, 2022 at Christ’s Church On The Move. A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, May 12, 2022 at Christ’s Church On The Move. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lake Wales Care Center or Circle of Friends.