Obituary of Robert Marvin Moore

Robert “Coach” Marvin Moore – 96 years old

Robert Marvin Moore was born October 11, 1927 in Alhambra, CA to Marvin and Ruth Moore. He went into the arms of Jesus on January 6, 2024 at the age of 96.

He grew up as an only child in South Central Los Angeles. His father was an LA fireman and his mother a homemaker.Bob always had a great love for sports, especially football. He excelled in swimming and was also an accomplished musician, playing the saxophone and clarinet. A multitude of ribbons and trophies were awarded to him through the years, however, he would remove his name and return them so they could be used for another recipient. He always felt that recognition should be made for three qualities: most valuable, most improved, and most spirited.

In 1945, he graduated from George Washington High School in Los Angeles and enlisted in the US Navy. He did his basic training at San Diego Naval Academy and served as a “fireman first” until 1947. While serving on the USS Sierra, he was part of the DES PACS of the Pacific football team and had the privilege of playing in the first “China Bowl” in Shanghai, China. Upon his discharge, he was recruited to play football at Compton Junior College where his team was chosen to play in the Junior Rose Bowl. He also participated in track and field, as a shot put and javelin thrower and was chosen to go to Mexico to compete.

After junior college, Bob was recruited to play football at several top universities. He chose to go to his beloved UCLA and be coached by Henry R. Sanders. Bob held the west coast punting record for several years. His old and dear friend, John Wooden, was a great example of an exemplary coach and human being and Bob learned many of his coaching techniques from him. Recently, Bob was honored as the oldest living UCLA football player.

Upon Bob’s graduation from UCLA, he remained in southern California to coach at Riverside City College. Then, he taught and coached at Ramona High School and William S. Hart High School. In 1967, the Lord led Coach Moore to Willows High School as a teacher and football coach. When he stepped down from coaching, he became the Vice Principal at WHS until his retirement in 1992. Because of his great love for kids and education, he continued substitute teaching and helping where needed at WUSD for many years after his retirement. Coach was inducted into the Glenn County Educators Hall of Fame in 2000.

Bob met Louise Brown from Compton while attending Compton Junior College. They were married on January 30,1949. His love for his supportive wife and family was tops in his playbook. On August 23, 1963, Coach and his family attended a Billy Graham Crusade at the Los Angeles Coliseum where they all surrendered their lives to the Lord. Many mission trips to Mexico with Chico Neighborhood Church were highlights for Coach, as he felt so blessed by helping others. He was influential in bringing various music groups to the North state, as well as Day in the Sun that brought Terry Bradshaw to Chico. In the late 70’s, Bob was requested by the Olympic Committee to spend a summer teaching shot put and javelin in Guatemala.

After retirement, Coach enjoyed fishing and camping at Trinidad. He pastored churches at Berry Creek and Yankee Hill. For the past 20 years, he was an assistant pastor at OpenGate Christian Fellowship. A man of great integrity, he loved talking about the Lord to whomever he came in contact with; he was a true evangelist in his own way. One of his favorite sayings was “A hundred years from now who will care or remember. Only what is done for Christ will last.” Bob is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Louise; his son, Bob and daughter, Jeri all of Chico. He is preceded in death by grandson, Justin Moore and son in law, Brian Morales.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Willows High School gymnasium. A dessert reception and time of fellowship will follow. In lieu of flowers, please know that Coach would want you to pay it forward to help someone in need. If you feel led, you can donate to Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Willows High School, OpenGate Christian Fellowship in Willows, or your favorite charity. Cards of condolence may be sent to Louise Moore, 15 Arbor Drive, Chico, CA 95926.