Richard Stevens Moose

Richard Stevens Moose went to his heavenly home Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at the age of 79.

Richard was born May 11, 1942 as the youngest of six children to Dewey & Marie Moose of Stony Point, NC. He forever adored his siblings and thought the ‘50s were heaven on earth. He spent much of his childhood days in a pair of overalls and bare feet running through the fields and creeks appreciating the great outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing and collecting special stones like his dad, and saw that nature itself displayed the majesty of God. 

Richard gave his life to Jesus Christ as a teenager at a Billy Graham Crusade in Charlotte, NC. He graduated from Pfeiffer University and became a school teacher in 1967. He shared 37 years of his life amongst the students of Alexander County schools where he coined the phrase “chalk and walk.” He couldn’t seem to go anywhere without running into a student with a huge smile on their face who said, “I had you as my teacher!”

Though Mooses have been known for their stubbornness, they cling tight to family and take every opportunity to share a great meal and fellowship. Richard Moose’s life definitely fit the bill. From the good ol’ days of epic ping pong tournaments, eating snow cream, family gatherings, fishing, playing in the snow and beach trips, he always made these times together fun and memorable. It was about the love of family. Richard loved his family and God above all and openly shared that his children and grandchildren were his greatest blessings and legacy. His pride for each one of them beamed with every conversation.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters - David Moose, Polly Bates, Beveridge “Buddy” Moose, Frances “June” Moose, Carolyn Bailey and grandson Robert Moose.

He is survived by his wife Ala Moose; his children’s mother, Janice Moose; his sons Derrick Moose (Elizabeth), Channing Moose (Julie); his daughters Dechari Cole (Jason), Brittany Berry (Terran); 13 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Richard would tell you today, as he frequently told his family these past few years with grateful tears in his eyes, “God has blessed our family greatly! The blessings of God outnumber the stars!” Then he would quote Billy Graham and finally insert his own name, “Someday you will read or hear that Richard Moose is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.”

Come celebrate the life of Richard Stevens Moose with us Saturday, January 1, 2022 at Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Taylorsville, NC. Receiving of family and friends 11 a.m.-1 p.m. with funeral service at 1 p.m. Graveside service to follow in the Oakwood Cemetery, Statesville, NC.

Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com.

The Moose Family would like to say a special thank you to all of Richard’s caregivers and the Carolina Caring Hospice Staff, our “angels without wings!”

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Stevens Moose, please visit our floral store.