Grafton Weldon “Joe” Mooring a life-long resident of Octagon, born here on October 30, 1926, he died at the age of 94 on February 13, 2021. He was the son of Grafton and Sarah Hale Mooring. Friends enjoyed his tales of growing up in the rural Alabama community he called home his whole life. Joe’s life reflected the scripture found in Micah 6:8, “And what does the Lord require of you” To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Stories were the fabric of Joe’s connections with friends and family. From recounting an early childhood game of marbles to a tale of coyotes prowling the backroads after dark, he could enthrall both young and old as the true storyteller.

He was self-employed and enjoyed caring for his cows and timber. He loved and appreciated nature and was an avid turkey hunter. Stray cats and dogs could always find a welcome home (and lap) with Joe. Joe was a long-time member of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Joe served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He remained a true, lifelong patriot.

He is survived by his sisters, Sarah Catherine Hudson and Florence Rebecca Mooring, his brother, Joseph William “Billy” Mooring (Ellen), his nieces, Allison Laubenthal (husband, Jim and daughter, Lindsay), and Mary Ellen Mooring, his nephew, Samuel Welden Mooring (wife, Brooke and children, Henry and Lucy), honorary niece, Elizabeth Tisdale (husband, Marion and children, Catherine Eve and Ashley), and devoted family friend, Donna Wiltsie.

Graveside funeral services will be held at Octagon Cemetery on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 10:00 am with Rev. Daniel Gandy and Billy Boggs officiating.

Arrangements by O’Bryant Chapel Funeral Home.