Benjamin A Moore Jr.

Benjamin A Moore, Jr., who was affectionately known as “Brother,” was born on March 3, 1935, in Jefferson County, Alabama, to the late Benjamin A. Moore, Sr. and Mary F. Hatcher Moore.  In 1936 his parents moved Benjamin Jr. and his sister, Dorothy to Addyston, Ohio, for a better life and his father found a job at the U.S. Pipe Foundry.

In Addyston, they lived in a house behind the foundry called Hopkinsville.  Benjamin was the second oldest of five children. His brother, James Edward Moore, preceded him in death at an early age. Benjamin departed this life on Saturday, March 23, 2024, after a brief illness at the Bethesda North Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio.

He attended Taylor High School in North Bend, Ohio, where he excelled in academics.  He graduated in 1953 with the highest grade point average of his graduating class.  Benjamin attended the University of Cincinnati where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering on August 23, 1958.  He became one of UC’s “Pioneers of Engineering,” the first eight African American graduates of UC’s College of Engineering.  He joined Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company as a co-op while attending the University of Cincinnati.  He was employed by the Cincinnati Gas and Electric Company for over 30 years and retired in August 1992.  In December of 1958 he was drafted into the United States Army where he served for two years.   He shared fond memories of his time and experiences in the military.

He learned the importance of family early in life. He was told by his mother to always take care of his sisters and he did that. This love of family began with annual summer vacations to Birmingham and Boguechitto, Alabama where they would spend time with each of their aunts and uncles.  The Moore Washington family began having family reunions in 1977 and he was instrumental in setting up the family scholarship fund.

In 1945, at an early age, Benjamin joined the First Baptist Church Addyston, Ohio.  He served in positions such as Superintendent of the Sunday School, Deacon Board, and President of the Youth Council.

In 1979 The First Baptist Church became The Ministry of Elijah where he served faithfully as Church Treasurer, Member of the Board of Trustees, and attended various conferences and seminars relating to Church business. He loved the Ministry and believed deeply in the teaching as was taught by Prophet Ralph Cave, Sr. and today by Prophetess Patricia.  Above all else, Benjamin loved the Lord and was a faithful and devoted member of  The Ministry of Elijah.

In 1970, Benjamin and a group of men started a business named Quality Maid and D&D Company.  They made and sold sweet potato pies. The pies were delicious and were sold locally in Kroger stores in the Tri-State area.  They were in business for several years and later supplied local colleges with other baked goods.

In 1971 Benjamin joined the St. John Lodge #3 Prince Hall Free and Accepted Mason, where he held different positions during his membership. He worked specifically with the Masonic youth organization called, The Pythagoreans.

In 2000, he began a second career as a long-term substitute teacher with the Cincinnati Public School System (CPS).  He shared his love of education and math at various elementary and high schools in the area and he retired in 2009.

In his spare time, he enjoyed keeping up with current events in the news, spending time with family, and listening to jazz music. He loved watching all types of sports events. And he made friendly wagers with his first cousin, Ike Gardner of Chicago, IL. He often followed the collegiate careers of his nieces, nephews and cousins.  He also grew up as a fan of the Reds and Bengals, win or lose.

Benjamin lived life to his fullest.  He enjoyed spending time with family, making comedic statements to make us laugh and keep us on our toes.  He enjoyed dancing.  He is affectionately known as the “dancing machine” amongst family and has been seen tearing up the floor at many family functions and reunions.  Benjamin was one of a kind.  He was loved by many and he will be missed by all that knew him.

He leaves to cherish his memory: two children, a loving and devoted daughter Coletta Benise (Christopher) Davis of Cincinnati, Ohio; a loving son, Benjamin Edward (Linda) Moore of West Chester, Ohio; three sisters, Dorothy (Wilbur) Sanford and Pastoria Weems both of Cincinnati, Ohio and Melda (Alfred) Fant of Milford, Ohio; Four loving grandchildren Mikaela and Marcus Moore and Brandon and Brittany      Davis, who affectionately call him Pawpaw, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Special Church Family, mentees and friends.

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