WILLIAM PATRICK MOORE, M.D.

05/04/1928 - 03/22/2023

Dr. William Patrick

Moore, a pioneer in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Houston, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 22, 2023 at the age of 94. He was born on May 4th, 1928 in Chickasha, OK, and spent most of his childhood in Amarillo, TX, graduating from Amarillo High in 1945. He attended The University of Texas, was a member of the Theta Xi fraternity, and graduated in 1950 with a degree in Zoology. After pursuing a second degree in Chemistry from East Texas State Teachers College in 1952, his dream of becoming a physician began when he was accepted to The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, where he was a member of Alpha Kappa Kappa fraternity and graduated in 1956.

It was in Galveston where he met the love of his life, best friend, and wife of 66 years, Grace Williams Moore. They were married on June 22, 1956 and then journeyed to San Diego where he began his internship at The United States Naval Hospital. It was in San Diego where they began their family with the birth of their first daughter, Cynthia.

Bill aspired to be a flight surgeon and was delighted to be accepted into The Naval School of Aviation Medicine in Pensacola, FL, where he earned his wings as Flight Surgeon in 1958. The Navy then assigned Bill to Jacksonville, FL. This was a time of happy memories, good friends, and the birth of their first son, Randolph.

After leaving active duty, Bill, Grace, and their two young children relocated to Houston where he began his Residency in Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine in 1960. After completing his training in General, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry, he launched his private practice in 1964. Their family continued to grow with the addition of their son Richard, and their two daughters Sharon and Cassandra.

Bill is remembered by his family and friends as a man full of love, big laughs, and the best hugs. He instilled in his family his love of nature and the outdoors. They made many memories, often comical, on their camping and canoeing adventures on the Guadalupe River. He loved scuba diving, sailing, and backpacking. He never lost his love of flying and became a recreational pilot. He was a devoted father who always made time and found joy in participating in his children’s lives and activities. Traveling the world, avid reading, dancing, singing and enjoyment of visual and performing arts with his beloved Grace were also a big part of Bill’s wide interests.

Bill’s strong faith led to serving his local churches and the Episcopal Diocese of Texas in a variety of ways. Many of the Moore’s strongest friendships were made at St. Christopher’s and later at St. Martin’s Episcopal Churches.

A lifelong student of his faith, he attended classes at St Mary’s Seminary. Bill served as founding faculty of the Program for Spiritual Direction and Formation of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and was himself a certified Spiritual Director.

Bill was involved with many professional organizations through which he also built many meaningful and enriching relationships. He was especially proud of his time spent as President of both the Houston Psychiatric Society and the Texas Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, as well as Chairman of the Harris County Medical Society Board of Ethics. He received recognition as Life Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association; Life Fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; and Life Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association.

In addition, Dr. Moore delighted in teaching and mentoring psychiatry residents. He was recognized as Inspiring Teacher in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine.

Bill’s compassionate and generous spirit, devotion to others, and loving character will be deeply missed by many.

Dr. Moore is survived by his wife, Grace Williams Moore; his children, Cynthia Landry, Randolph Moore, Richard (Mary) Moore, Sharon (Wendell) Vines, and Cassandra (Ian) Cloud; grandchildren, Melody (Caleb) Hodges, Garin (Jordan) Landry, Katelyn Moore, Madison Moore, Kelsey Cloud, and Austin Cloud; and great grandchildren, Della Landry and Eden Hodges.

A Memorial Service is to be held at 1 pm on Thursday, March 30 in the Chapel at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Rd, Houston, TX 77056.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Child Builders, The Nature Conservancy, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, or another charity of your choice.