The North Carolina House of Representatives took a pause Tuesday as meetings for the week were canceled and members and staffers prepared to head west to Kings Mountain to attend the funeral of the father of House Speaker Tim Moore.

The entire legislative schedule for Wednesday has been cleared. The House canceled the following meetings: Local Government, State Government, Education – Universities, and Agriculture. Canceled on the Senate side were the Agriculture, Energy, and Environment Committee, as well as the Education/Higher Education and Judiciary committees.

“In light of the Speaker’s father’s passing, the House will pause its business this week to allow members and staff to attend services in his honor,” said Rep. Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, chairman of the House Committee on Rules, Calendar and Operations of the House. The Senate had no votes scheduled this week.

Richard “Rick” Keith Moore, 75, passed away Monday, May 27, at his home, according to an obituary shared with House members Tuesday. He was born in Cherokee County, South Carolina, served as a military police officer in the U.S. Army and was an avid golfer, a Shriner and a member of Masonic Lodge #339. A longtime member of First Baptist Church Kings Mountain, he was the owner and operator of Rick’s Ole Country Store for 20 years and Timms Furniture Store for 27 years, the obituary said. He served for 12 years as a member of the Kings Mountain City Council.

Rep. Kelly E. Hastings, R-Gaston, remembered Rick Moore for his philanthropic efforts in the community, including sponsoring race cars at the Cleveland County Fair, as well as for introducing him to oysters Rockefeller many years ago. “He benefited society in so many ways,” Hastings said. 

Sen. W. Ted Alexander, R-Cleveland, recalled Rick Moore’s good sense of humor and ever-present support for his son. While Alexander was mayor of Shelby, he said he depended on Rick — then a Kings Mountain council member — for his broad economic perspectives. 

And just how supportive was Rick of his son? About four years ago, an opponent vying for Tim Moore’s House seat had an unflattering billboard that could be hooked up to a trailer. But Rick thought it was a great picture of his son and hoisted in onto his own trailer and drove it around town all day. “Everybody had a good laugh about that,” Alexander said.

Both Hastings and Alexander said Rick was proudest of his grandchildren.

Gov. Roy Cooper posted on social media: “I send my deepest condolences to NC Speaker Tim Moore, his mom Jean and family on the loss of his dad Rick. We’re grateful for Rick’s service in the army, as a business man, community leader and one of my appointed members to the NC Travel & Tourism.”

Rep. Robert T. Reives II, D-Chatham, leader of the House Democratic Caucus, said, “I extend my sincere condolences to the Speaker and his family during this difficult time. Many of us know how hard it is to lose a parent, and my thoughts are with him and his sons this week.”

Services for Rick Moore are scheduled for today at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church Kings Mountain, located at 605 West King St. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2:50 p.m. at the church.