For Gene Moore, volunteering in Fairfax City’s community life is a necessary outgrowth of his faith. The retired school educator, former city councilman and School Board member, and longtime civil volunteer sees his contributions as helping those who really need it.
“There’s a statement in the Bible, even as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, you have done it unto me,” quoted Moore.
Moore’s service to the community hasn’t gone unnoticed, as citizens selected him to be the grand marshal for this year’s Independence Day festivities.
“I’ve always marveled at his love for the city,” said Joan Cross, Fairfax City Council member and Independence Day Celebration Committee member.
Moore, 70, grew up in Knoxville, Tenn. Upon returning from the Navy and completing an undergraduate degree in English, speech and drama, Moore tried to make it on the Broadway stage. After months of auditioning, living in bare quarters, and working and eating at Orange Julius, he returned to Tennessee to get a masters degree in special education.
“I believe that is one of the best places you can serve mankind,” said Moore of the field.
He moved to Fairfax County in 1965, to teach in the county’s school system. He remained in the school system for 30 years, as a teacher and administrator. During that time, he also took care of three foster sons and an adopted son.
Moore’s first taste of civic involvement began when someone approached him to serve as the city’s representative on the county’s Services Board for Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse in 1972. He became that board’s chair from 1976 to 1979. Attracted to civic life, Moore became a member of the Independence Day Celebration Committee in 1976, and was elected as City Council member in 1982. He served on the council for six years, and also served as a Fairfax City School Board member for eight years. As council member, he helped found ‘The Friends of Fairfax,’ whose activities included the present day’s Chocolate Lover’s Festival.
“Whenever he was aware of a need in the community, he was among the first to respond to do something about it,” said Fairfax City Manager Bob Sisson. "He served with distinction in whatever he undertook.”
After retiring, Moore has spent much of his time at the Lamb Center, which he helped establish. The Lamb Center, located off of Fairfax Circle, assists homeless and low-income adults and families. Moore also continues to stay active in the community as vice president of the Old Fairfax Mews Homeowners Association and president of the Northern Virginia Parliamentary Association.
“A busy mind keeps an elderly person, or a person getting to be elderly, from degenerating,” Moore said.
As for being elected as grand marshal, Moore said he appreciates the honor.
“I’m very, very proud of that. The fact that my peers chose to honor me,” Moore said.
His peers replied that he deserves it.
"We selected him for his continuing contributions to the City of Fairfax, and his resourcefulness and support of many community activities," said Jim McGinley, chair of the Independence Day Celebration Committee.
“He’s just a true son of our city. He’s intensely involved, and he cares intensely. For all those reasons, he’s an excellent choice,” Cross said.