Delton Montie Moore, Jr. (“Montie”)

Delton Montie Moore, Jr., lovingly known to family and friends as “Montie,” passed away on June 21, 2026, at St. Dominic Hospital. He was born on July 3, 1970, and spent his life serving others, building lasting friendships, and leaving an unforgettable impact on every community he touched.

Montie wore many hats throughout his life. He served as an EMT, firefighter, deputy sheriff, narcotics agent, restaurant manager, cheese expert, salesman, stage manager, and so much more. Yet of all the titles he held, none were more important to him than husband, father, brother, and friend. He never met a stranger, never forgot a face, and rarely forgot a name. His warm personality, quick wit, and genuine interest in others allowed him to build lifelong friendships wherever his journey took him.

A devoted supporter of the arts, Montie’s love of music flourished during his time at Delta State University, where he was a member of the Delta State University Choir and Band and a proud brother of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, the nation’s oldest fraternal society dedicated to music. He continued sharing his passion for music throughout his life through his participation in the Mississippi Chorus and the Jackson Choral Society. He also dedicated many seasons to the Mississippi Opera, where he served as stage manager and helped bring countless performances to life behind the scenes. His love for music, theater, and community enriched the lives of many.

Montie was also deeply committed to his Masonic brothers. He was a dual member of Mt. Salus Masonic Lodge in Clinton and Morton Masonic Lodge in Morton, where he valued the principles of fellowship, service, and integrity. He was also a proud member of the Wahabi Shriners, supporting their mission of brotherhood, philanthropy, and service to children and families.

Montie enjoyed cheering on his favorite teams and was a devoted fan of the New Orleans Saints, Delta State University—his alma mater—and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. He also loved traveling with his family, especially making cherished trips to New Orleans. He was a lifelong Methodist and a faithful member of Morton United Methodist Church, where he found fellowship and community and shared his love of music as a member of the church choir.

Of all the accomplishments and titles Montie held throughout his life, his favorite roles were husband and father. His proudest moment came when he became the daddy of a redheaded baby boy named Keeton. From that day forward, Keeton became the center of his world. He celebrated every milestone, cheered every success, and stood beside him through every challenge. Montie’s love for his wife, Kelly, and his son, Keeton, was unwavering and unconditional. He loved them more than life itself, and there was never any doubt that caring for his family was the greatest joy and privilege of his life.

Montie is survived by his beloved wife, Kelly Keeton Moore; his cherished son, Keeton Temple Moore; his brother, Mitchell Moore (Natalie); his brothers-in-law, Keith Keeton (Emily) and Kevin Keeton (Nancy); his parents-in-law, Joanne and Lindsley Keeton; his uncle, Anthony Dodd; uncles Tommy Moore (Gloria) and Grady Bryant (Louise); aunts Patsy Reese (Frank) and Darlene Hall; cousins Natalie Dodd (Sydni), Jerrod Dodd, Ryan Reese (Heather), Christopher Reese, Lynn Hensley (Al), Cathy Huff (Gene), Jeffrey Hall (Sarah), and Jake Hall. He is also survived by his nieces Ava Keeton, Kate Rivers Keeton, and Madelyn Moore; and his nephews John Wesley Keeton, Samuel Keeton, and Asher Keeton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Delton Moore and Peggy Moore; his grandparents, Dr. Temple Moore (Lucille) and Bill Dodd (Sue); and his aunts, Debbie Tolleson and Kathy Dodd.

Montie’s legacy is one of service, laughter, kindness, and unwavering love for his family and friends. Whether he was helping someone in a moment of crisis, welcoming a new acquaintance with a smile, supporting the arts, or simply spending time with those he loved most, he lived a life that made a difference. His memory will continue to inspire all who knew him, and his absence will be deeply felt.

The family takes comfort in knowing that Montie’s song lives on in the hearts of those he loved and whose lives he touched. Though he has taken his final bow, the impact of his life will continue long after the curtain has fallen.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Reese, Harold Rose, Ray Beloate, Billy Mack Miles, Jimmy Coley, and Kyle Keeton.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Morton. Visitation will continue on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Morton United Methodist Church, 29 Church Street, Morton, Mississippi. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 a.m. at Morton United Methodist Church. Interment will be at Pulaski Methodist Cemetery on Highway 481 South in Pulaski. Memorials may be made to Morton United Methodist Church.

Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Morton is honored to serve the Moore family.