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Most of the memories were
placed in the memory box at Ryan’s memorial service. Step-mom Pat lovingly transcribed the
memories for our family site and Ryan’s website. At home he was our Ryan, but at Henderson
he was Antony, Moore or Coach Moore. “I have so many wonderful memories of my
son it’s hard to write about just one, but there is one in particular I will
always treasure. Ryan was a senior in
high school and didn’t have much money.
My birthday is a week after Christmas and that year he had spent all
of his money on Christmas presents for the family. The evening of my birthday, he and a few
friends came in and sat the CD player on the counter and asked me sit
down. They wished me happy birthday,
then Ryan handed me a card he had made and turned on the CD player. He sang me the entire song “A Song for
Mama” by Boys II Men. He sang with such feeling and looked so cute, that I
cried like a baby. The song and
homemade card were the best presents I had ever received. A couple of weeks later he went and bought
me the CD so I could play the song anytime I wanted. Every time I hear “A Song for Mama” I see
Ryan standing in front of me, singing from his heart, then smiling that
beautiful smile and saying “Happy Birthday Mom, I love you”. Making it a memory of a lifetime. Ryan was my life and I will always love
and miss him. I pray God gives me the
strength to carry on as Ryan would want me to.” “Ryan, was
my high school sweetheart, and best friend for over 10 years. He was an
awesome and lovable person. I know Ryan loved not only his family, but also
his many friends including me. All
through high school we were inseparable, always
together with our friends having fun. Unfortunately I knew Ryan was leaving
Texas to go to college in Arkansas.
It was very hard for Ryan to leave, but we knew it was for the best.
Even while he was away at college, we still remained very good friends,
always visiting one another and spending all the holidays together with his
mom and Tim. He was my best friend and
we were comfortable being together.
Our last Christmas in 2004, it snowed for the first time in Pearland
and we had such fun having a snowball fight and attacking Mom (Linie) with
snowballs. I remember talking to Ryan
in February after I watched the movie "Remember the Titans," and
told him he was a great coach and he would make it to the NFL. I am so sad he didn’t get to fulfill all
his dreams. The last ten years with
Ryan have given me many good memories.
I will always love Ryan and he will have a special place in my heart
forever.” Brenda (TX) “My memory
of Moore is how he would always help people whenever they were in need. No
matter what happened, he could always bring a smile to your face. He always
knew the right thing to say and put others before himself. He loved being
among his friends and bringing smiles to their faces, you could tell by how
he acted. No matter who the person, he would get along with them. He will be
missed dearly. But all of us carry a piece of him on our heart.” Jason
Fogerty (AR ) “Football
was awesome because of coaches like Coach Moore. He wasn’t a softie but he
was kind – I remember his gold chains he always wore. He was cool because he
knew he was cool – but he wasn’t cocky – he was one of the nicest guys I’ve
ever met.” #86
W.R. 2002-2004 “As a GA in
Reddie football I would have daily contact with Coach Moore. I would always
’Mess’ with him about using the Mustang for the weekend. He said I was ‘too
old’ to enjoy the hoss power! We always laughed! Antony was a good young man.
He was a huge success and a big part of Reddie football. He will be missed.
He was so nice to my son Zane, age 14. He did practice teach at his school.
He ‘Touched’ lives in his short career.” David
Thigpen, HSU Assistant AD “Whenever
everyone lost their temper, Moore was always in control. I never saw him
loose his temper.” No
name (AR ) “I’ll never
forget the “Moore” talks that Antony has always had with me whenever I wasn’t
doing right. I will also never forget our battles over my red flashlight at
almost every camping trip we went on together. There is a copy of the paper
that I wrote about Antony in the library at Henderson. Mr. Ragni should have
it in his office.” Greg
Crane, Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity Earthbound
Angel: Occasionally, we are graced
with the presence of an earth bound Angel. They are unable to stay with us
for long, but while they do, they bring unprecedented joy and happiness to
all they touch. While they are here, we bask in their goodness and marvel at
their contribution to the world. When they leave, we are left with the
devastation that comes with losing such a wonderful being, but we must
remember the earth bound Angels are not ours to keep. They are ours to enjoy,
learn from, and behold until they return home. Author unknown A
friend who will always remember Antony Ryan Moore “God gave
Linda a loving son for 26 happy years.
My fondest memories Linda and Ryan always laughing together and having
fun.” “I played
basketball with Antony many times. I came to love his spirit as he played. He
was competitive and always hustled. Most of all, he was always happy and
laughing as he played. He always made me feel better when he played. It
mattered not how he played, good or bad, his attitude was wonderful!"
Love in Christ, Coach
Rhonda Thigpen, volleyball coach “Antony was
a good and decent man. When something needed to be done, he was there. If the
laundry needed to be done, he did it. It the fields needed lining he did it.
No job was too small or too big for Antony. He will be greatly missed and I
leave these vs. for memory: Proverbs 3:5-6 ‘Trust in the Lord with all your
heart, lean not into your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him
and He will direct your way.” Coach
Jesse Branch, HSU 2001-2005 “When
Antony was at HSU, I saw him pretty much on a daily basis. He always had a
smile on his face and was so upbeat! He would always go out of his way to
stick his head in my door and say ‘Hey Ms. Angie!’ He had true Reddie spirit.
He will be missed.” Angie
Bradshaw, Athletics Dept. Secretary (AR ) “Because we
had the same last name we would always joke about being related. He always
said he was my brother and after becoming a Sig Tau Rose, I was his sister.
My mail would always get sent to his apartment, and he made sure to get the
word to me when I got a notice that it was time to take my dog to the vet. He
was very thoughtful of others. Just a few nights before he left us, he was
talking about reading the standardized tests to the “slower” children. He
said he made sure to emphasize the correct answers when he read them out
loud. He stated that we don’t realize how lucky we are.” No Name “My
favorite memory is the bus rides for the away games. Coach Moore made long
trips go by fast, and I never once saw him in a bad mood.” No
name (AR ) “I have a
couple memories of, as we referred to him, Moore. But two specific ones were
from the same trip to New Braunfels with Josh, Clint and Moore. The first of
that trip was the first day on the Guadeloupe and we had been warned about a
specific rock to watch out for. This rock created a massive undertow. Well we
did not listen close enough because before I knew it, Moore, Clint and Josh
had all been victims of the infamous rock. We almost lost everything! But
Moore managed to keep his $130 Oakleys on his face. Later that afternoon
those glasses fell victim to a rope swing off a tree! I had never seen him so
mad. It was hilarious. Another memory I have is on the same trip on the way
back from a Country Western dance hall. Anyone that knows him would find
humor in that alone. But in the middle of the ordering of McDonald’s he busts
out a quote from a Comedy Central I still remember the line. It was, “I got
mail.” But for anyone to truly understand the humor you had to be there. For
he had a sombrero hat on and yelling this phrase as I was ordering food. You
just have to be there. That was Moore, fun loving, relaxed, and just an easy
going guy. I’ll never forget your son. He was a great guy and good friend. He
will be missed greatly. I also lived with him this summer and enjoyed
everyday we hung out. He loved that X-Box!!” No name “Moore was
a person that could give advice to you in any situation. He was also a real
good person to be around and was never in a bad mood. He was a person that
lived life to the fullest. And he has touched my life and many others in ways
that cannot be explained.” Chris
Fogerty “Moore was
everyone’s buddy. I met him when he was coaching at Henderson. I saw him
outside of football as a friend and someone to count on. I remember thinking
to myself, ‘This guy can’t coach,’ then after a while it hit me that he does
know what he’s coaching here.” No
name (AR ) “Coach
Moore was everybody’s buddy. One time one of the coaches told me to spit out
a dip in the locker room and Moore was right behind him giving me another
one. He was a real good guy and he was funny also.” No name “After the
players went to bed at the West Alabama or West Georgia trip on Fri. night,
Moore, Blue and I went to Applebee’s for some beverages. We stayed there for
a while talking about life and such. We found out there was a club at the
“Hojo” so we went over there. There was a group of 50+ year old guys and they
were singing country songs and then out of nowhere played a rap song. Moore
was on the stool next to me. We just looked at each other and didn’t have to
say anything. We got a big laugh about that.” No name “Coach
Moore was me (Baby) and Tom Riffel's first friend in Arkadelphia. We moved
here to go to school at HSU knowing no one. Jesse and Moore lived above us in
the apartments. He was our first friend. Everyone we know now, we met through
him. He moved out in December and started at Hot Springs. We will never
forget his wonderful friendship and loving personality. We’ll always love you
Coach Moore.” Baby
& Tom Riffel (AR ) “Spring
break last year he always brought a smile to everyone’s face no matter what
mood.” Chip
Reeves “Moore was not just a friend of mine. He
was my brother. I have considered myself lucky to spend so much time with
him. From camping trips to just hanging out at his apartment, I enjoyed every
moment if it. There were numerous times I would discuss my problems with him
because I knew he would say the one thing that would make the problems
disappear. We talked for hours about sports, music, etc. Whatever the
subject, he knew something of it. Moore was ‘ginuwine’. He spoke from his
true feelings. I have very many memories of Moore. The talks we had of high
school football. The time we got his car unstuck at camp out. The “Moore
Speech,” a motivational speech that would ignite a fire for associates
seeking to join our brotherhood. I remember the parties at his apartment. I
consider one of my best nights ever was the night of his Graduation Party at
his and Jesse’s apartment. I remember the dinners. I remember the trips to
the races. I most of all remember his personality. From his jokes to
wrestling, I will miss my brother forever.” No name “He was my
racquetball teacher last semester. He always laughed at me for not running
after the ball. One day I hit myself in the head on accident with the racquet
and tried to go home early by overly exaggerating my mistake. He laughed at
me and said no way keep playing!” No name “During the
summer of ’04 me, Moore, Zach,and Clint went on a river floating trip in New
Braunfels, TX. We had a really good time. The night before we left, we went
to dancehall in San Antonio. He did his dance for me and everyone else in the
club. It was the most entertaining thing we had ever seen. We still talk
about that trip to this day! Antony was never cross and always believed in me
as a friend and player.” Joshua
Prescott (AR ) “I lived
right below him and we got to know each other because we would always happen
to be washing our cars at the same time. He would always come to Malones
where I was a waitress and no matter who he was with or what he got he would
leave me the biggest tip! I miss him very much but I am glad I got the
opportunity to know him even if it was for only a year.” Sarah
Saenz “I asked
him ‘didn’t you wash your car 3 days ago?’ He said ‘Yes, but I love my car.’
I most remember his laugh and beautiful smile. He also asked ‘are you
thirsty, hungry, comfortable.’ ‘I am great’ I would say. ‘Okay just let me
know.’ I love his laugh.” Amber
Davis “I don’t
know what to say? We laughed, we played, we argued sports. He was a great
friend and will always be remembered. Your family is in our prayers. May God
guide you and be with you. Love, No name “I have several memories
of Antony but his enthusiasm on the sidelines was very memorable. I would
like to tell that Coach Moore was very important to me. He gave me much so
advice about life as well as school because we share the same major and
dreams. He has done many things for me and his advice was priceless. He was a
great person and a great friend. Thank you.” Blake Christenson, quarterback “My first day at HSU, Aug.
1999. First day to report for football. Moore was the first football player I
met. I remember thinking to myself that this guy is an Offensive lineman?
Well I never saw a guy practice harder and play his role on the team better
than Antony Moore.” Sy Robinson “He always made me laugh in class.” Corwin
Croley, HSU Faculty HPER “Coach
always told me how he gave all he had on a kick return when he played. I
wanted nothing less than to give 100% for him when he coached me. ‘Coach to
me sometimes, Moore to me the rest.’-Antony Moore.” Kyle
Chastain (AR ) “One of my favorite memories of Moore
was two days before he passed on. Me and him went to his apartment and talked
about our fraternity. He told about all the things he loved about the
fraternity. He also gave me a lot of direction in college on that night.” Blake
McMinis, freshman, Sig Tau “It is hard
to say what I remember the most about Moore. We had many talks and I learned
so much from him. The thing I learned the most he doesn’t even know he taught
me. Every time I saw him he had the biggest smile. Not some ordinary smile it
was the biggest cheesiest grin. So what he taught me is no matter what’s
going on or what job I am doing, there is no reason to frown or complain. He
was my brother and will never be forgotten.” Vic
Steelman Sigma Tau Gamma “The first
time meeting Moore was memorable. He was out with the fraternity in the Quad
grilling and playing football. He was telling old stories about the
fraternity and just cracking everyone up. He and I started talking, and he
was the first to convince me that fraternity life ain’t bad. He was a great
man probably the best out of the entire fraternity.” Nick
Dillard “He never
failed to bring a smile to your face. No matter how BAD a day I was having,
he would make me laugh and brighten my day. The way he treated people and the
respect he showed, we only wish we could treat people half as much as he did.
He was truly a pleasure and despite his short time with us he made a
difference.” Troy
Mitchell, HSU SID “I have
never seen Moore in down moment. He was always showing you to be your best
teammate, coach, good friend, and fellow brother in Sigma Tau Gamma. Coach to
you sometimes, Moore to me most of the time.” (AR
) “Moore
always called us his angels.” Kelly
Adams & Kristin Shehane “Every time
I was with Moore he was so happy and encouraging. He brought a fun time to
whatever we did. I loved his competitive spirit, and he would always
challenge me to tennis and racquetball. He will be truly missed.” Megan
Harness “I remember
one day in the weight room me and good friends were lifting in off-season. We
did a hand signal like Spock from Star Trek and made a sound like Chewy from
Star Wars. Moore saw this, the look on his face was priceless. All he could
do was laugh and say that was the weirdest thing he had ever seen in a weight
room. Love Jace
Muds “I have to
give Antony credit for clinching my choice of Henderson State University. I
came up one day in the summer and was not quite sure if I wanted to come
here. He assured me that HSU was a good choice and I would be happy. Antony
will never be forgotten, and my prayers will be with you all.” Michael
Carter “Every time
I saw Moore or talked to Moore, he told me how beautiful I looked; no matter
how bad I looked! He was a gentleman, a true gentleman. I always asked him
how work was going and every time his face would light up with an enormous
smile and he would tell now much he loved it. Just last Thursday he sat next
to me at a restaurant and said, ‘you don’t know how lucky you are until you
read to special needs’ kids.’ I didn’t know him well, but I knew enough to be
sure of what a good person he was and would be. God bless.” Lindsey
Sullivan (AR ) “I had
Antony in several classes. I found him to be a respectful, thoughtful student
who matured into a leader in the classroom. I had Antony as a freshman,
upperclassman and lastly as a graduate student. I will always remember his
respect and love for his family. He spoke to me many times on how much he
appreciated the love and support he got from them. He was a fine young man.
We will miss him.” George
Baker (AR ) “I had
Antony in several classes at Henderson and I found him to be a good student
who was always prepared for class and added a lot to class discussions. My
perception of him was: he was well liked and had many friends.” No name “The smile
on his face when he would beat me at video football games.” Nick
Bromley (AR ) “I remember
Antony simply as Coach Moore. He was a coach during this year, my freshman
year. He was always helping me make new friends and good decisions for the
future. Although I only knew him for a semester I felt he was a true friend
and sincere man. I will keep everyone in my prayers.” Chad
Burgess (AR ) “I am proud
that I was able to give Antony his first job in his chosen field of teaching
and coaching. He had a very positive effect on our young people.” Coach
Carter (AR ) “My most
special memory of Coach Moore was one day we were working out in the weight
room for football and he walked inside the weight room and started rapping
which just made me laugh and made my day much brighter.” Jimmy
Talkett (AR ) “Dear
Family, I knew Antony as Moore. He was one of the sweetest guys I have ever
known. He had such a contagious smile. Every time I was ever around him, I
was laughing and happy. I am so sorry for your loss.” No name “I will
always remember Antony’s laugh. I would often go to his and Jesse’s
apartment. Antony and I would always sit there and pick on Jesse. He was the
kindest person. Never caused trouble and was such a happy go lucky person. I
will miss him.” Nicole
Geffery (AR ) “Antony was
one of the first people I met here at Henderson. He was an outstanding young
man, who always made me feel welcome! I will miss him dearly!” Angelique
(AR ) “Antony was
our neighbor at the apartment. I remember how much he loved his car. He was
always washing it. When he saw me and my roommate he would ask us if we
wanted to wash our cars also. He always said he would wash our cars if we
would cook for him. He was friendly and spoke to us every time he saw us.” (AZ
) “As a classmate, he was very
enthusiastic, vibrant, and full of life. My memory of Antony will be of how
fun and entertaining he was to be in class with. I always looked forward to
seeing what Antony had to say.” Terri
Wade (AR ) How he
always had time to stop and talk every time he saw me and his positive
attitude. He could always make me laugh. (AR
) “At HSU I
was having trouble on the team, and thinking about quitting, Coach Moore came
to me and said, ‘Don’t let outside stuff keep you from being Larry.’ Without
Coach Moore I would not be still here at Henderson. I will graduate May 2006,
and I owe it to him. May God be with him and us at this time.” Larry
Owens, Jr (AR ) “The world has lost a sunny smile and a kind
person. A friend to everyone he met. I feel pain for his mom and family.” Mike (TX ) “He was my coach and
friend. My problems were never to small or big. He will always be remembered.
I will pray for his family.” John (AR ) “I only knew Ryan for a short time but I will remember him
forever. My heart goes out to his family and friends in the sad time. “And we
know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them
who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28 KJV).” Lorena Hassler (Dallas, TX ) “As a graduate of
Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR I wanted to offer my deepest
sympathy for the loss of Antony. Even though I did not know Antony
personally, I quickly realized that he had many, many friends. A sudden loss
of this nature is so hard for us to understand. My 20 year old son attends
HSU and is a member of the same fraternity. I know many of these friendships
are very close ones. Many times these guys are like brothers to one another.
To Antony's family and friends, may you find comfort in this hour and in the
coming days. Grace and Peace to you all, Dennis Green (I John 4:7-8)” Dennis Green (North Little Rock, AR ) “We send our deepest
sympathy and Ryan will always be missed. Tony & Sandy Estrada” tony estrada (pearland, TX ) “Ryan will be missed by
many of his family and friends and my condolences to all. I got the chance to
know Ryan from High School and remained acquainted with him since. He was a
great person to know and I'm happy to have known him.” Dana Landry (Pearland, TX ) “A true friend to all. I went to school with Ryan
and new him well enough to know that he cared about all his friends
sincerely. He will be missed by many. I extend my condolences to his family
and loved ones.” CHRISTOPHER GOODMAN (PEARLAND, TX ) “when i first met ryan
about thirteen years ago he greeted me with a smile. ryan and i became
friends almost instantly. i cannot remember a time when ryan ever told me no
if i needed something. he was the kind of guy who would give you his shirt
off his back. as we grew older our lives kind of went different ways. his
journey in life took him to arkansas and as for mine i stayed in pearland. i
was very proud of ryan and all that he accomplished. i regret the fact that
we did not see each other that much in the last couple of years. in fact the
last time i saw ryan was in december 2004 at a restaurant.(we all know ryan
liked to eat!!) we greeted each other and talked for a few minutes. we
discovered that we both like watching horse racing.and he told me that the
next time he could get away from his busy schedule me and him were going to
spend a day at the track. well brother ryan i know the next time i go you
will be there with me looking over my shoulder. i feel that god made sure me
and ryan bumped into each other that day. because before we said our
goodbye's. he shook my hand and gave me that same big smile he gave me
thirteen years ago. and i thank god for giving me that last good memory of
ryan forever. words cannot describe the pain that we hold, but it can
describe the joy that ryan gave us all. linda our hearts and prayers are with
you always. love, “ eloy and daizy cortez Ppearland, TX ) “While we never had the opportunity to meet
Ryan, we learned of all his fine qualities from his Mom, Linda. Our respect
of Ryan can only grow as we remember his Mom's proud conversations about her
son Ryan. To all who met Ryan, We offer our condolences. We wish we had that
opportunity also.” George & Cathy Poole (Hamburg, NY ) Song now playing: You light up my life
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Memories Life brings tears, smiles and memories:
the tears dry, the smile fades but the memories live on forever. |