William Clarence Moose, 75, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at home after battling cancer for several years. Born September 29, 1948, he was the son of the late L. Clarence and Margaret I. Moose.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Bonzia K. Moose. He was an honor graduate of Harmony High School. Bill received the Presidents Award at Mitchell Community College and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Wake Forest University, where he received his B.A. and M.A. in History and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
Bill worked in the Reference Room at the Iredell County Public Library for five years and then taught History and Political Science for 30 years at Mitchell Community College. While at Mitchell, he received the Award of Excellence in Teaching in 1991 and the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012. Bill also received a yearbook dedication. He wrote “A History of Mitchell Community College,” which was published in 2005. Bill also compiled the “Out of Our Past” column for the Statesville Record & Landmark for almost 46 years. In October of 2023, he received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Gov. Roy Cooper for significant contributions to the state.
He loved baseball and was an ardent St. Louis Cardinals fan from childhood. Bill also loved researching local history and local baseball players. He was an avid reader, crossword puzzle solver, and a lover of old movies. Bill loved playing recreational softball for many years and made lifelong friends. He was a member of New Salem United Methodist Church and attended while he was able. On May 25, 1986, Bill married Georgina (Ena) Furches, who survives.
Others left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Katherine (Katie) Moose of Statesville and son David Moose (Alice) of Durham; a sister, Lynne Lepley (Ralph); and an extended family of brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, and a number of nieces and nephews.
The family will visit with friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, at Troutman Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. No services will be held at his request. Bill will be deeply missed by all those who loved him. The family also wishes to sincerely thank all those who helped to treat and care for him during this time.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.
Bill was truly a wonderful person. Smart, kind, and gracious. A teacher, writer, and friend to all.
One of my favorite teachers at MCC. I love history because of his influence. Condolences to his family.
Bill wasn’t just my professor at MCC. He became my friend and encouraged me to go on to finish my doc degree. A truly remarkable man who will be missed.
Bill taught both me and my son, and was my advisor. He was one of the best instructors I ever had, from Mitchell to Davidson to UNCC. His influence and example greatly helped me to my own 30-year career as a community college instructor. I am deeply saddened by his passing.
Mr. Moose was my history professor at MCC. He truly gave me such an appreciation and love of the subject. Statesville is so fortunate to have had him as theirs. May he rest in peace.
On behalf of the Genealogical Society of Iredell County, I want to extend my sympathy to Bill’s family. You are and will be in our thoughts and prayers for the days and months ahead.
All our fellow Genealogists and Historians owe a large debt of gratitude to Bill for his hours and hours and years of reading and research to write “Out of Our Past”. He also spoke at some of the GSIC meetings.. Thanks for all you did for our county and it’s communities. You did a fantastic job. Your shoes will not be filled for a very long time. The bar is set high for those who follow in your Historical footsteps.
Ena – Prayers for you and your family. Much love, Pat Moore
Mr. Moose was my history teacher at Mitchell Community College. He was a great storyteller and wonderful person. His impact on our community will be long lasting and his absence is keenly felt. Love and sympathy to his family!
I’m so sorry to hear about Bill. He was always so friendly, cordial, smart and could have a conversation about anything. To put it simply, he was a great guy! My condolences to his family.
I used to call him “Bull” Moose, as he was an avid weightlifter when I had him as an instructor at MCC. He was a fantastic historian and he will be missed. Fair weather and following seas, Bull.
What a tremendous loss. Bill Moose was my history professor at MCC and gave me inspiration to reach for as far as I could. Each time I learn a new history fact I think of Mr. Moose. He made such an impact on all those around him and to be a even just a sliver of a part of that, it’s truly an honor. Every time I’d run into him at the library or YMCA, etc., he’d say “Miss Rivera, hope you’re doing well!” He would smile and never forgot my name, which was so pleasant!!! Thank you, Mr. Moose, for being such a fantastic example to us all!
So Glad I had Bill Moose at MCC. The Very Best Teacher anyone could have. He will be missed by many.