Harry James Moore, a lifelong Oakland County resident, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on August 13, 2026, at the age of 86. He was born in Pontiac, Michigan, on March 17, 1940.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Moore, and his brother, Ralph.

Harry is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Carol; his three daughters, Mary, Sheila, and Colleen; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Harry graduated from Pontiac Central High School and went on to earn an engineering degree from General Motors Institute, now known as Kettering University. Over his lifetime, he lived in Pontiac, Troy, Ortonville, and, most recently, Clarkston. When he and Carol bought their home on 10 acres down a long private road in Ortonville, it marked the achievement of Harry's long-held dream of owning a large parcel of land in the country. During their years in Ortonville, Harry could most often be found outdoors tending his garden, clearing brush, cutting firewood, and, during the winter months, plowing snow to forge a path to the main road. He was especially excited the year he transitioned from a large, open-air garden tractor to a heated pickup truck!

Harry spent his entire professional career at General Motors, beginning with the company as a high school intern. He worked for more than 40 years in the Pontiac and Chevrolet divisions, specializing in power windows and air conditioning systems, and often travelled to the proving grounds in Arizona. His work also took him to Mexico and South Korea before he spent three years in Germany, accompanied by Carol and Colleen, working for General Motors' German subsidiary, Opel Automobile.

A dedicated member of First Congregational Church of Pontiac since childhood, Harry remained active in the church after the congregation moved to Clarkston in the 1990s. He held many volunteer and leadership roles, including numerous positions on the Board of Trustees, singing in the choir (a particular joy), and helping maintain the building and landscaping. He and Carol also cherished a 60-year friendship with a loyal group of church friends known as the Two-by-Twos.

Harry was an avid traveller who took full advantage of his years living abroad. During his time in Germany, he visited many countries, including what was then the Soviet Union. In retirement, he and Carol continued to explore the world, traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, China, Australia, South America, and Antarctica, and enjoying a three-month dream cruise to numerous memorable destinations.

A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church of Clarkston on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., preceded by one hour of visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations in Harry's memory may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation , a charity benefiting first responders and veterans, or to First Congregational Church of Clarkston , 5449 Clarkston Road, Clarkston. Harry will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Arrangements entrusted to COATS FUNERAL HOME-WATERFORD. To post a tribute, visit www.CoatsFuneralHome.com.

Tunnel to Towers Foundation
2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island NY 10306
Web: https://t2t.org/donate/

First Congregational Church
5449 Clarkston Rd, Clarkston MI 48348
Web: https://fcclarkston.com/