Legendary Texas plumbing wholesaler Lavoy Moore died December 18 at age 78 due to complications caused by lung cancer and pneumonia. He started his industry career in 1943 with Hunt Supply Co., the same east Texas plumbing distributor where his father worked. He was promoted to manager of the Conroe branch within a year, and stayed there until founding Moore Supply Co. in Conroe in 1953.

Starting with one employee and $4,000 in the bank, Moore grew the business to 32 facilities before selling the company and retiring in 1996. Moore Supply Co. was named Supply House Times' "Wholesaler of the Year" in 1983. Moore was a past president of the Wholesale Distributors Association and American Supply Association, and fulfilled numerous community and charitable leadership roles.

"It saddens me greatly to hear of Lavoy Moore's passing," said Supply House Times editor Jim Olsztynski. "His wit and warmth made him one of the industry's leading personalities. I'll always remember the kindness and respect with which he treated me at a time when I was a novice with Supply House Times and he one of the industry's most prominent VIPs."

Donations in Moore's name can be made to: First United Methodist Church, 4308 West Davis, Conroe, TX 77304; or, The Salvation Army of Conroe, P. O. Box 897, Conroe, TX 77305.