Noah Wayne Moffett

Dr. Noah Wayne Moffett. 

 

A life lived … A life lived well.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 4, 2022. Please call Warren Beal for further details. RSVP requested, 509-499-0757.

 

Our family has lost a Mountain of a Man. Wayne Moffett was an unmovable, unshakeable force for his family and many others. 

 

Dr. Moffett was known and respected for his leadership and guidance by many students, educators, and state level colleagues. 

 

Wayne was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law and uncle. He peacefully passed to His Savior on September 14, 2021, surrounded by his wife, daughter, and granddaughter. 

 

Noah Wayne Moffett was born in the small town of Jonesboro, Louisiana on January 16, 1937. He spent his early childhood living on a farm with his parents, two sisters and two brothers. He embraced early in his youth the responsibilities thrust upon him with the passing of his father, beginning the development of his strong character that would be seen throughout his personal and professional life.   

 

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Malvina Beal Moffett, his daughter and son-in-law Jo Ellen and Dwayne Young, his granddaughter and fiancé Hannah Marie Young and Davis Partrick, his sister Louise Morrow of Illinois, his brother and sister-in-law Randy and Barbara Moffett of Lousianna, brother-in-law Warren Beal and many nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents Annie Lee and Noah Evans Moffett, his sister Lucile Lewis, his brother Harvey Ray and his first wife Mary Jacqueline. 

 

 

In early adulthood he attended Louisiana Polytechnic Institute for a brief period before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corp. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton San Diego, California, where he was recognized as a sharpshooter and reached the rank of Corporal (E-4) by the end of his service. He served from June 1957 to June 1960. As a US Marine Wayne was recognized with numerous awards. He received the Good Conduct Medal First Award for the period of June 26, 1957 to June 24, 1960.

 

“Your conduct during this period denotes honest and faithful service in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps”. 5th Marines / 1st Marine Division.   

 

Wayne was proud to wear the Marine uniform with the Eagle, Globe and Anchor. He was especially proud and honored to represent the legacy of the 5th Marine Base of Camp Pendleton. “The Fighting Fifth Devil Dogs” is the most decorated regiment in the Marine Corps. It is the only Marine Corps unit authorized to wear the green braided rope of the French Fourragere over their shoulder on their service and dress blue uniforms. The French government originally awarded the French Fourragere and the Croix de Guerre (two palms and one gilt star) in 1918 for the company’s valour and bravery in 3 battles during World War I. He felt it a great honor to wear and maintain the legacy and tradition of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines.

 

Cpl N. W. Moffett holds the distinction of firing the first Possible (50x50) on Camp Pendleton’s Combat Range. Using a 45 he recorded the first perfect score and was recognized in The Navy Times. Later in his service he would become a Rifle and Pistol Firing Range Instructor. 

 

As a veteran, he was recently honored to be chosen a member of the American Legion.      

 

Upon leaving the Marine Corp, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jacqueline Roden and they had one child together, Jo Ellen.

 

 

Wayne’s professional and educational life reflected the intelligent and caring man he was. In 1962 he returned to Louisiana Polytechnic Institute to earn a Bachelor of Science in Math Education. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree he began teaching high school mathematics in Shreveport, Louisiana.

 

A career change led him to Western Geophysical Company of America, Shreveport, Louisiana. He served as Seismic Analyst, Manager of Operations (Milan, Italy) and Commercial Consultant in Digital Operations. This required much travel and his living abroad in Milan, Italy, and Azmera, Ethiopia.

 

Desiring a more settled lifestyle, he furthered his education attending Northwestern State University. There he obtained a Master of Education degree in Secondary Guidance and Counseling and returned to teaching in high schools.

 

In 1973 his love for educating children led him to the University of Alabama (Roll Tide) to complete his PH.D.. He earned his doctorate in Educational Psychology / Research in 1977. (Life long Phi Delta Kappa member since 1975)

 

After finishing his course work for his doctorate, Wayne became Coordinator of Program Evaluation and Social Services in the Griffin Area Child Development Center / Griffin, Ga. 

 

ALPINE DIRECTOR

 

He moved to Gainesville, Ga, in 1978 and became a legacy as director of Alpine Psychoeducational Center. Alpine, one of 24 specialized programs in the state, served children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral issues. Wayne was responsible for students and satellite programs in 14 school systems in 13 northeast Georgia counties. “Dr. Moffett” was known for his fair and level headed approach with principals, teachers and children alike. He mentored and influenced the careers and lives of many. He always saw the full potential of people, encouraging them to do more and be more for the sake of the children. He once told his daughter, Jo Ellen, “Don’t talk about it, do it!”  

 

STATE LEVEL IMPACTS

 

During his 1978 to 2001 tenure as Alpine Director he was influential in implementing many statewide programs.  He was an instrumental member of the State of Georgia Taskforce for implementing the Boys Town Specialized Classroom Management Model at Alpine and in other programs throughout the state.

 

Wayne was especially proud of the positive training that unified programs statewide and the progressive movement that resulted during his period as Chairman of GPN  (Georgia Psychoeducational Network) Annual Conferences at Epworth By The Sea, St Simons Island, Ga.  

 

He was recognized by the Georgia State Department of Education for his contributions as a Fiscal Manager Statewide Special Education Project 1983 to 2001.

 

During the infancy of the internet, Dr. Moffett was instrumental in connecting psychoeducational centers. This new technology allowed the exchange of data and information statewide. 

 

His invaluable experience led him to serve on the Board of the Hall County Department of Family and Children's Services (DFACS) from 1998 to 2005. During this time he taught sociology and special education in various colleges in Georgia.

 

 

 

Malvina and Wayne's love for each other was a blessing to them and to many who had the pleasure of being in their company.   To know them as a couple was to be witness to a wonderful blueprint of a pure loving, joyful and harmonious marriage.  Though when they met some thought they were opposites, the rough around the edges, Honda riding Wayne Moffett won the heart of the proper southern belle from Griffin, Malvina Mitchel Beal.  Despite her spurning his initial advancements, they developed a loving relationship and married on May 26, 1979.  Together they moved to Hall County, planting their flag on the highest, most breathtakingly beautiful spot in the county.  Together they created a show place inside and out, built with their own hands and love. Their place on the hill speaks volumes of their shared taste, style, and interests.   Friends and family have always been welcomed and leave with a smile, a laugh, filled with good food and love. If you were lucky to share in a Moffett’ golden sunset highlighted with the purple North Georgia mountains and painted sky of orange, pinks and colors that have never been named ~ then you just might feel like you were in Heaven. 

 

 

Wayne truly loved life, giving himself to his many friends and cherishing his family. 

 

Wayne exuded the love of Christ. He was a proud member of First Baptist Church of Gainesville and Grace Fellowship Sunday School Class. 

 

He had many diverse interests. From an early age he loved the outdoors. An astonishingly good fisherman who loved bass fishing. He was equally good with both an open face reel and fly rod. He loved making treks into the Cohutta Wilderness into pristine areas which he knew were virtually untouched by man. To visit Wayne and Malvina’s home one would be amazed to learn the beautiful framed intricate patterned needlepoint piece above the fireplace was of his hands or of his personally maintained bonsai collection.  Wayne was a man of curiosity. An avid reader who devoured Mysteries, History and Science. Wayne always said that he could build or do anything by simply reading a book. When asked how he learned the art of woodworking that adorns their home he would honestly humbly share … “Time Life Carpentry Books”. I would try a little of this and a little of that till I got it right.” In retirement his love of teaching shifted gears becoming a certified Master Gardener in 2006. He would become a founding and 12 year board member of The Garden’s on Green.  He spent time with many area school students sharing hands-on information and inspiring students about conifers.  I’m sure if asked though, he most enjoyed spending time with Malvina close by getting their hands dirty planting together, producing an amazing outdoor canvas of their own.  

 

There were many sides to Wayne Moffett most would have been surprised to learn.

 

 

 

Family meant everything to Wayne. His loving pride of his daughter Jo Ellen was extremely evident. Jo Ellen would take up his mantle earning degrees in Applied Psychology, Masters in Special Education and Leadership. Later in her career she became a Special Education Coordinator for Hall County Schools. There has always been a special loving Father daughter relationship that was evident in the smiles they shared.    

 

Wayne becoming a grandfather meant the world to him. “Papa” adored his granddaughter Hannah. He and Malvina were involved in every part of her life. Many of their favorite moments were spent on their various travels with Hannah. Inspired by her Papa, she obtained her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and her Master’s degree in Business and Executive Leadership. Her most treasured educational experience was working as a research assistant for her minor in Biology, in the Ornithology department, due to Papa’s love for birds and what he taught her.

 

 

Wayne battled many medical conditions later in life. He was known for his strong will to live life and always fought through any health adversities. Before entering St. Joseph /Emory Hospital on September 7, 2021 he told Malvina and Jo Ellen, “You just don’t know how much I love you both.” On behalf of the Moffett and Young family, we appreciate with gratitude the many warm thoughts and prayers expressed. We are blessed with many beautiful memories of Wayne in our hearts. A Spring 2022  Celebration of his Life will be announced at a future date. 

 

In Lieu of flowers his family requested donations be made to Gainesville First Baptist Church or The American Heart Association.

 

Above all, he loved God, his Country, our Flag and the U.S. Military that protected it. 

 

God Bless America!