Gary Stephen Moore

Gary Stephen Moore, 82, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on July 2, 2026.

Born on August 2, 1943, Gary was the son of the late Kathryn I. Spaight and Clayton W. Moore. He lived a life defined by intellectual curiosity, creativity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to education. Throughout his distinguished career, he inspired countless students, colleagues, and friends through his teaching, scholarship, and leadership.

Gary graduated from Williamsburg High School in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, in 1961 before attending Holyoke Community College. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1966 and a Master of Science degree in 1969. He completed additional medical training at Duke University Medical Center in 1970 and received his Doctor of Public Health degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1971.

His career as an educator spanned more than five decades. Gary taught at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he retired in 2003, as well as the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Harvard University, Yale University, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, and Coastal Carolina University, where he continued teaching until his retirement in 2026.

Gary was recognized for his excellence in teaching and innovation throughout his career. In 2001, he received the University of Massachusetts Presidential Award for Leadership in Promoting Online Learning. During the 2020–2021 academic year, Coastal Carolina University honored him with the Department of Health Sciences Excellence in Teaching for Teaching Associates Award, the Excellence in Teaching for the Public Health Program Award, and the Office of the Provost Award for Teaching Innovation and Excellence.

As an accomplished author, Gary co-authored several influential educational books, including Living With the Earth, You Can Teach Online, and You Can Learn Online. His work helped shape online education and supported educators and students around the world.

Beyond his professional achievements, Gary was a gifted painter, computer illustrator, web designer, and graphic artist. He found great joy in music and faithfully sang in his church choir. An enthusiastic runner, cyclist, and hiker, he completed the Dublin Marathon in 1997 and participated in the Massachusetts Senior Triathlon Games from 1999 through 2006.

Above all, Gary cherished his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Lucille M. Moore; his children, Tyler Moore and his wife, Jessica; Michael Ludwig; and Heidi Manning and her husband, Danny; his granddaughter, MacKenzie R. Leo and her husband, Joshua; and his brother, Jeffrey Moore.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kathryn I. Spaight and Clayton W. Moore; his brother, Terry Moore; and his beloved twin sister, Candace Lynde.

Gary will be remembered for his wisdom, kindness, generosity, artistic talents, and dedication to lifelong learning. His influence lives on through the many students he mentored, the colleagues he inspired, the books he wrote, and the family and friends who loved him. His legacy of service, education, and compassion will continue to inspire generations to come.

A memorial service celebrating Gary's life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Philip Lutheran Church, 6200 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be sent to St. Philp's Lutheran Church in care of the music dept, 6200 North Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572.