Nathaniel Lee Moore, Jr., "N.L.," 83, of Lutz, ascended to Heaven on March 7, 2017, in the presence of his loving family. N.L. is survived by a loving wife, Sally Kicklighter Moore; daughter, Debra Moore Whiteside; granddaughter, Elizabeth Whiteside (Trad) Sobik; great grandchildren, Amelia and Braylon Sobik; siblings, Patsy Moore Maynard, Linda Moore (Louie) Mayer, and Pearl Alydia Moore. He was preceded by Nathaniel, Sr. and Pearl Allen Moore, Mary Ottley Moore, and John (Sondra) Moore.

N.L. was born in Spring Lake, Florida and grew up in Tampa, Florida. He was very proud of attending Hillsborough High School. N.L. was a hard worker and helped his family at a young age.

N.L. married his childhood friend, Sally Kicklighter. They were married for 63 years, enjoying family, friends, animals (his beloved white cat), and many trips to the mountains. He was a proud father to Debbie, and enjoyed having his young family with him when he traveled for work and on their many camping adventures throughout the years. He enjoyed being outside, working in the yard, and getting seedlings from the mountains!

N.L.was thrilled when his granddaughter, Elizabeth, was born. He gladly went on the much dreaded airplane flight to meet her! We can only imagine how proud he must be to have our family now blessed with great grandchildren, Amelia and Braylon.

N.L. had two careers. He was a member of Boilermakers Union Local 433 and proudly retired from Florida Power Corporation, Anclote Plant.

N.L. loved the Lord. He proudly served as a Deacon for First Baptist Church of Lutz. Besides being known for his faithful and countless hospital visits (as well as enjoyment of hospital cafeteria food), N.L. taught 2 year olds Sunday School for many years, as well as Vacation Bible School. He always sent postcards to the children and had sticks of gum in his pocket, ready to hand out. Safety for the children crossing the street was always a priority. He thoroughly enjoyed both eating and helping in the kitchen at church. N.L. participated on mission trips to Honduras, one being with the mens group to help build a church. He was famous for his rambling drives of the bus for Joy Sunday School trips!

Having a strong sense of family was important to N.L., demonstrated by what he did. You could count on him. He loved being with family at reunions, casual and holiday gatherings, weddings, as well as funerals. N.L. was the dry humored relative who usually gave the little ones their first taste of lemon!

A heartfelt special Thank You to the ENTIRE staff at The Abigail by Sweetwater Manor, Dr. Phillip Atigre, and Hospice Garnet Team members James, Mark and Jackie, for their tender, loving care of Nathaniel.

Although Alzheimers was a difficult road to travel, N.L. gave our new Memory Care friends a glimpse of "him," the dry humor, safety concerns, love of the outdoors, and most certainly eating! Enduring was the different forms of recognition of family, especially when he was still able and would point and say, "Thats my girl" to his wife, Sally.

A loving, faithful sister, Patsy, encouraged and enriched his life with visits up through his last day on earth. His life was better because of her continuous presence and love.

N.L. ascended to heaven on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, in the presence of loving family, with a calm, serene, assured aura of soon meeting his Lord and Savior. A perfect homegoing. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Nathaniel Lee Moore, Jr. to: First Baptist Children's Home 1015 Sikes Blvd. Lakeland, FL 33815 OR Alzheimer's Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter 14010 Roosevelt Blvd. #709 Clearwater, FL 33762 Visitation

Hodges Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center

Saturday, March 18, 2017 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, Florida 33525 Directions Graveside Service

Mt Zion Cemetery

Saturday, March 18, 2017 11:30 AM , Directions