Dr. Paul B. Moorefield

Dr. Paul B. Moorefield, age 103, died peacefully on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at Surry Community Health and Rehabilitation Center in Mount Airy. He practiced general dentistry in Mount Airy for 62 years. Born May 26, 1914, Paul was the son of the late L. J. Moorefield, Sr., MD and Ruth Boyd Moorefield of Mount Airy. After attending Mount Airy High School, he graduated from Central High School in Charlotte. During pre-med at Duke University, he played in the University Band and became a life member of Sigma Chi, Beta Lambda Chapter. After completing pre-med, Paul pursued a degree in dentistry at this nation’s first dental college, the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery (now University of Maryland’s School of Dentistry). As one of the ten college scholars in his class, he became a life member of the Gorgas Honorary Society and the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Society. In 1937, he established his practice in Mount Airy. Paul was a loving husband, father and friend. He was a gentle practitioner to patients, staff and colleagues. He was a former member of local, state, and national dental organizations and the Mount Airy Lion’s Club, the Renfro Masonic Lodge and Oasis Shrine Temple. He was a life member of the First Presbyterian Church, Mount Airy, and served for many years as a deacon and choir member. As a young man, while attending the University of Maryland’s School of Dentistry, he often played saxophone in the Rennert Hotel’s orchestra. During summer months in Mount Airy, he played with various bands at the White Sulphur Springs Resort. After establishing his practice in Mount Airy, his leisure time was spent with family members, “jamming” with friends and local musicians, working on classic cars and fishing local rivers. Before a hip injury in the late 70’s, he was an avid golfer, playing with friends at various courses and attending major tournaments throughout the region. In 1992, to honor three additional Moorefield medical practitioners - his father, Dr. L. J. Moorefield, Sr. MD; his brother Dr. L. J. Moorefield, Jr. OD; and his uncle, Dr. Jones Moorefield, MD. Paul and his second wife, Rachel, a retired RN, established the Paul B. and Rachel M Moorefield Healthcare Scholarship and Program Fund at Surry Community College. The fund provides scholarships for high-achieving, second-year students who are pursing health-related careers and funds for college medical courses and equipment. After closing his practice in 1999, Paul studied art and music and wrote about Mount Airy during the1920’s through 1960’s. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his wife of 20 years, Mary Jackson; their daughter, Mary Linda Moorefield; his wife of 35 years, Rachel Mae Moody and his brothers, Harold D. Moorefield and L. J. Moorefield, Jr. OD. He is survived by his daughter, Laurie Moorefield Forbes of Mount Airy; grandson R. Kane Allen and his wife Frances of Vail, CO and many Moorefield nephews, niece and their families: Harold D. Moorefield, Jr. and wife Debbie of Boothbay Harbor, ME; Paul B. Moorefield and wife Laura Leigh of Manhattan, NY; L.J. Moorefield, III and wife Viqui of Miami, FL; Helen Moorefield Hunt and husband Jim of Harrisburg, NC; Marie Moorefield Southerland and husband Greg of Monroe, NC; Jennifer Moorefield Howard of Greenville, SC and Kurt Moorefield and wife Becky of Angleton, TX. The family appreciates the many acts of kindness, love, and support of friends, neighbors, church members, former dental assistants and colleagues to Dr. Paul Moorefield over the years. They are grateful for the eight years of care and attentiveness of Dr. Moorefield’s physician, Dr. Fant, and the nurses, CNAs, social workers, managerial staff and other dedicated staff members at Surry Community Health and Rehabilitation Center. In addition, the family greatly appreciates the compassionate and thorough care provided to Dr. Moorefield by Mountain Valley Hospice nurses and aides over the last three months. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, February 8, 2018, in Oakdale Cemetery in Mount Airy with Dr. Paul Ridolfi officiating. Before the service, the Moorefield family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests that memorial gifts be made to the First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1286, Mount Airy, NC 27030; Mountain Valley Hospice, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC 27030; the Paul B. and Rachel M. Moorefield Healthcare Scholarship and Program Fund, Surry Community College Foundation, 630 South Main Street, Dobson, NC 27017; or to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

Visitation

Graveside Service