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Virgil Sherwood Moore, a deeply cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 28, 2025. Known for his profoundly selfless and caring nature, he leaves behind a legacy of hard work, deep family devotion and unconditional love.
Born to his mother, Dorothy Helen Grogg Powell, and father, Gerald Moore, on March 24, 1943, Virgil endured a challenging childhood.
However, he refused to let those early years define him; he found peace and forgiveness, using those experiences to build the man he became. He found true stability and belonging when he was lovingly taken in by Roy Sharp and Jo and Andy Sharp of Mingo Flats Road. The home they provided and the Christian values they instilled in him shaped his selfless, family-centered character.
Virgil was a 1961 graduate from Tygarts Valley High School. He married Thelma "Jean" Rhea Moore on Oct. 14th, 1965, in Bridgewater, Virginia. Virgil honorably served his country in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1968. Following his military service, he dedicated his career to working tirelessly in the coal mines. Upon retirement, he found great joy in farming alongside his lifelong friend, Jerry Wamsley, whom he cherished and thought of as a son.
Virgil was a member of the Mingo Presbyterian Church. Family was the cornerstone of Virgil's life. He was immensely proud when his two grandsons followed in his footsteps as coal miners. His granddaughter was the "princess" in his life, for whom he would do anything. Sundays were spent creating cherished memories with his loved ones, including giving his great-grandsons tractor rides on his beloved old "putt putt." He treasured family holidays and meals, always preferring a house full of love and joyful chaos. For the past three years, he shared his home and heart with his puppy, Symba. Symba came along at a time of loneliness, and he loved that dog with all of his heart, treating him as a true member of the family.
Virgil is survived by his wife of 60 years, Thelma Jean Moore, of ERCC; his daughters, Kimberly Jo and husband, Ronnie Bodkins, of Valley Head, and Angela Kay and husband, Dale Shockey, of Mabie. He is also survived by his grandsons, Timothy Sherwood Daniels and wife, Tausha, of Morgantown, and Derrick Allen Bodkins and companion, Liz Blackburn, of Dailey; his granddaughter, Kelsey and husband, Josh Longbon, of Mabie; and his great-grandchildren, Ellie Bodkins, Khallie Bodkins, Jace Blackburn, Liam Connelly, Beckett and Ryker Longbon.
Also surviving are his brothers, Leonard Moore of Valley Head, Luther Ratliff of Mill Creek, and Rick Sharp of Mingo Flats Road, Valley Head, one sister, Phyllis Phares of Dailey; and a brother, Gerald Lee Moore.
Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Helen Grogg Powell and Gerald Moore; his foster parents, Roy Sharp, Jo and Andy Sharp; four brothers, Roger, Ralph, Kenneth and Ellis Moore; and one sister, Wanema "Jerry" Gnegy.
A graveside service with full military rights conducted by members of the H.W. Daniels Post 29 American Legion and the West Virginia Honor Guard at the Mingo Cemetery on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, at 1 p.m. Virgil served as a trustee of the Mingo Cemetery for many years, to honor his wishes, the family asks that donations be made to the Mingo Cemetery in lieu of flowers at the following address: 28558 Seneca Trail, Valley Head, WV 26294.
For those wishing to share memories or offer condolences, you may visit www.therandolphfuneral home.com.