By Mary Drier
Staff Writer
CARO — A local icon of the automobile sales industry Robert “Bob” E. Moore, 81, died Monday following a lingering illness.
“He fought the good fight. He finished his course, and he kept the faith,” was the 2 Timothy 4:71 Bible quote reference Sue Larson thought when she heard Moore had passed away. “That (Bible) verse is him. He was ill and fought. Fought until the end, and he was a man of faith.”
Larson had worked as a sales associate at Moore Motor Sales, for 12 years.
“He had a long history in auto sales. He grew up in the business. His dad owned a dealership,” said Larson. “He was a ‘car guy.’ He loved them. He breathed, and slept Moore Motors…”
For a short time, Moore managed his family’s auto dealership in Fowlerville after his father’s death. And, before coming to Caro from Livonia, he worked for the Lincoln Mercury division of Ford Motor Company.
Moore and Bill Burton started an auto dealership in Caro in September 1965 with a Ford store where Muffler Man is at now before building the dealership at 1725 W. Caro Road, Caro, a few months later. The two were partners in Burton-Moore Ford operating the Ford – Lincoln – Chrysler – Dodge – Jeep, Ram dealership in Caro from September 1965-August 1970.
In 1970, Moore bought out Burton’s interest in the company. Yet, for the next 13 years the business continued as Burton – Moore Ford until the name was changed to Moore Motor Sales when it became a Dodge Plymouth Chrysler franchise.
Moore was a hard worker who also developed another dealership in Sebewaing. He started with 13 employees, and the company now employs about 40 full-time workers.
“When he was semi-retired, he would still show up frequently. He even helped with the remodel of the building. He didn’t mind getting his hands dirty,” said Larson.
As a “car man,” Moore knew how important a vehicle can be in a person’s life so he often went the extra mile to help a customer.
“Back when I broke my leg, my car had a stick shift. Bob loaned me a car that was an automatic – at no charge,” said Gail Lesoski. “I can’t say that I knew him well… just mostly as a customer. I really liked him. He was kind, supportive, and a good person.”
Moore enjoyed a challenge. In 2007, he took computer enrichment classes at the Tuscola Technology Center.
In his free time, Moore enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening, puttering around the house, reading and traveling. He was a member of the Caro United Methodist Church, Caro Rotary Club, and Caro Mt. Moriah Lodge #226 F&AM.
Ransford – Collon Funeral Home in Caro is handling the funeral arrangements. (See related obituary)
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Caro United Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society, or Wellspring Lutheran Services, Hospice and Homecare in Frankenmuth.
Friends may share memories, thoughts and prayers online at www.RansfordCollon.com.
Mary Drier is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at drier@tcadvertiser.com.