Darnell J. Moore, or "DJ" as he was widely known, died on Monday, May 22, 2006, at a local hospital.
DJ was born on Nov. 12, 1936, in Norwood, GA. After graduating from Norwood High School, he joined his mother in Chattanooga. He began his career at Southern Railways, and after 10 years answered his calling to explore auto sales.
DJ got his start at Jackson Motors, followed by many good years at Trotter Pontiac. After completing the GM Dealer Management Program at the University of Detroit, DJ worked at John Hicks Oldsmobile, where he was employed in a variety of roles including general manager.
In 1981, DJ’s dream of owning his own dealership came true when he opened D.J. Moore Auto Sales. Toward the end of his storied career in auto sales, he worked at BMW & Volvo of Chattanooga.
DJ was a faithful, loving and dedicated member of Second Missionary Baptist Church, where he was chairman of the board of trustees, chairman of Club 11 Ministry, as well as of numerous events benefiting the church and community.
He shared his natural gift of leadership as a member of several organizations that positively impacted lives across the region including the Chattanooga Gospel Orchestra, the Eastgate Sertoma Club, the Hamilton County Zoning Commission and several other community-related boards.
DJ was preceded in death by his father, James Moore; grandparents, Jacob and Annie Pearl Shaw; and his aunt, Mary Howell.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of almost 45 years, Gwendolyn; daughter, Daphne; son, Darnell; daughter-in-law, Yesenia; mother, Naomi; granddaughter, Kaiya; sisters-in-law, Ethel McGhee and Mary Wingfield; an uncle, Jacob Shaw; other dear relatives and friends; and his NHC HealthCare of Chattanooga and Second Missionary Baptist Church families.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, at Second Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Paul A. McDaniel officiating.
DJ will lie in state after noon Friday. The family will receive visitors from 4-6 p.m. at the McCallie Avenue Chapel of Franklin-Strickland Funeral Directors.