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Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Charleston Political Guru Bill Moore Dies

Posted by Greg Hambrick on Wed, Mar 25, 2009 at 7:09 PM

UPDATE: The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Friday, March 27 at the J. Henry Stuhr Downtown Chapel, 232 Calhoun St.

William Moore, known in our pages for his political insights and at College of Charleston basketball games as the voice of the Cougars, died this afternoon, according to a CofC spokesman.

Bill has been an invaluable source for political commentary and perspective for the City Paper for the past several years, most notably during the 2008 elections. He was quoted in today's issue regarding South Carolina's political dynasties.

I first met Bill in late 2006. Weeks before the election that would usher in a Democratic Congress, the two of us batted around ideas about Washington's future and what that meant for Charleston and South Carolina. I'm sure he loved talking basketball, but he also loved talking politics.

Our conversations over the years would always be prompted by some story I was working on. More than once, I'd walk away with more answers than I thought I needed. Bill had a vast knowledge of South Carolina politics and a frank perspective that would sometimes confirm I was on the right track, and other times offered a gentle correction before I made costly assumptions about S.C. politics.

We always ended up talking about any and every political scandal. In our most recent interviews, I could tell he was looking forward to the 2010 elections.

At the end of our last talk just a few weeks ago, the last thing I told him was that I always enjoyed bending his ear. It was much less than I would have said if I'd known it would be the last time. I'd have let him know how much I appreciated his help through complicated topics, his patience with silly questions, and his passion for sharing his experience whenever I called.

Here are a few other stories Bill contributed to:

Popular state sovereignty bills draw comparison to Civil War posturing March 18, 2009

How to Build A Better (But Still Antiquated) Republican Rocket Ship Nov. 19, 2008

Where's the Money Going July 25, 2007

Red Is the New Blue Nov. 8, 2006

The comments from CofC President George Benson:

It is with a heavy heart that I notify you of the passing of Dr. William Moore, a longtime and highly regarded professor of Political Science, voice of Cougar basketball, and president of the Southern Conference.

His family was at his side when he passed on this afternoon.

Professor Moore served on the College's faculty for nearly four decades. An author, political analyst, former department chair, and beloved teacher, he embodied the values and traditions of the College.

Over the years, he received numerous honors for his dedication to teaching, including a Distinguished Teaching Award, Distinguished Service Award, Distinguished Advisor Award, and a Distinguished Teacher-Scholar Award.

Professor Moore's vast knowledge of Southern and American politics, sharp insights, and historical references made him the go-to source for colleagues, researchers, and reporters across the state and region. He will be sorely missed.

On behalf of the entire College community, Jane and I offer our sincerest condolences to Professor Moore's family, friends, and colleagues.

Remembering Bill Moore Part II: What's So Funny?

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Dr. Bill Moore was a great friend and advisor to me, in a professional relationship that lasted more than 10 years. Bill provided not only great political insight for magazine articles and newspaper columns that I wrote, but always remained a man of uncompromising integrity and tremendous insight when discussing politics. In 2006, Bill consulted his former C of C Political Science student Randy Maatta, in Randy's run against Congressman Henry Brown. Randy is also a personal friend, and we were both deeply moved by Bill's sincerity and humor, providing an honest, non-partisan perspective on the Congressional race in 2006. Without question, Bill's passing is a tremendous loss, not only for the College of Charleston, but the entire Charleston area. My thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to the Moore Family, Bill's students, and to his many friends.

Posted by Keith West on March 25, 2009 at 9:36 PM | Report this comment
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When I was a senior at C of C I had the pleasure of taking Dr. Moore for extremist politics. Trust me when I say that his knowledge of the extremist groups was as vast and deep as his knowledge of southern politics. He was a funny and always made class an enjoyment (even if he did tend to run over the class time :) ). I'm glad that I got to know him and I know that he will be sorely missed.

Posted by Amy on March 25, 2009 at 10:35 PM | Report this comment
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My deepest sympathy goes out to Dr. Moore's family and loved ones. He was a true gentleman and embodiment of a southern scholar. Dr. Moore has had a profound impact on my educational experience and career. As an undergraduate I looked forward to his Southern Politics and Extremist Politics classes more than any other. He had a keen understanding of Southern history, life, and culture that few achieve and was flawless in his ability to relate this information to others. Dr. Moore was the driving force that steered me toward the MPA program at CofC and I jumped at the chances to learn from him both in and out of the classroom during this time. This is truly a remarkable loss to the College, the Holy City, and all that ever knew him.

Posted by Eric Davis on March 26, 2009 at 8:33 AM | Report this comment
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I am deeply saddened by Dr. Moore's passing. He had a big impact on my life and college career. He was my adviser and professor. Dr. Moore inspired me to continue my education and I received my Master's in Public Administration from Florida State University last spring. I am internally grateful to him for inspiring me to pursue my dreams. Thank you Dr. Moore- you will be missed.

Posted by Katherine Wyatt on March 26, 2009 at 11:53 AM | Report this comment
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Little did I know as I declared my political science major that I had hit the advisory jackpot by being assigned to Dr. Moore. No one's office was messier, advice more enlightening or jokes more hackneyed (although Dr. Mann is close.) I found out about his passing ten minutes before the start of Wednesday night's Fashion Week events, and throughout the evening I kept thinking about Southern Politics class and countless conversations. I'll always think of him whenever someone mentions "Bubba", denim bib overalls and cornbread. I hope that the College will do something meaningful to remember him.

Posted by Angela Hanyak on March 26, 2009 at 12:37 PM | Report this comment
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Join the Facebook Group: Friends of Dr. Bill Moore Please post memories, stories, experiences, thoughts on such an incredible person that will dearly be missed

Posted by Mills on March 26, 2009 at 7:04 PM | Report this comment

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