News Summary
Construction on Florida Avenue in Spartanburg unearthed the headstone of George Bunnie Moore, who died in 1936. This find has triggered a family reunion and increased interest in Moore’s legacy. The discovery, initially thought to be a street marker, brought together locals eager to learn more about Moore’s life. His great-granddaughter, Melissa Dunn, has connected with the community to explore her ancestor’s history, highlighting the importance of preserving local heritage.
Spartanburg – A recent construction project on Florida Avenue in Spartanburg unearthed a large stone that has now been identified as the headstone of George Bunnie Moore, who was born on April 14, 1905, and passed away on May 4, 1936, at the young age of 31 due to a heart attack. This discovery has sparked a family reunion and revived interest in Moore’s historical significance within the community.
The headstone was initially mistaken for a street marker until construction workers turned it over, revealing the inscription. Former local journalist Lou Parris became a key figure in spreading awareness of this find after receiving several calls about the stone. He posted a photo of it on social media, which led to an outpouring of interest and discussion, receiving over 160 comments from the community.
Among those intrigued by the discovery was Melissa Dunn, Moore’s great-granddaughter, who learned about the headstone through social media platforms. This connection allowed her to engage with Parris and further explore the legacy of her ancestor. Reportedly, Moore was a farmer, but very little is known about his life, as his youngest child was born just six weeks after his death.
After Moore’s passing, he was initially laid to rest at Caroleen Avondale Henrietta Cemetery located in Avondale, North Carolina. In 1979, his wife, Daisy, was also buried next to him, and a new grave marker was installed bearing both their names. It is notable that Moore’s sister, Blanche Hendrix, took the original headstone back to her home on Florida Avenue, where it remained until its recent discovery among construction debris.
Blanche Hendrix lived until 1994, and after her passing, her property was slated for development into townhomes. During these construction activities, the headstone was found among the rubble. Spartanburg County Coroner Rusty Clevenger played an essential role in retrieving the headstone, utilizing a winch to lift it, as it weighs over 500 pounds.
The headstone is marked with a Freemasons’ square and compasses motif, and Clevenger has reached out to the Freemason fraternity to gather further information about Moore and his affiliations. There is an ongoing hope from Dunn that the headstone can be transferred to a Masonic lodge in Spartanburg County, allowing family members to visit and pay their respects in a suitable environment.
The resurgence of interest in George Bunnie Moore and his family’s history has created a special moment in Spartanburg, as locals rally to uncover more about a man who had a profound yet obscure legacy. The tale of Moore not only sheds light on personal family histories but also adds to the broader narrative of the community’s past.
The discovery of not just a stone, but a link to history, emphasizes the importance of preserving local heritage and the stories intertwined with it. As efforts continue to explore Moore’s legacy, it illustrates how history can unite families and communities through shared narratives and newfound connections.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier
- Greenville Online
- Fox Carolina
- Go Upstate
- Greenville Journal
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg, South Carolina
- Google Search: George Bunnie Moore
- Google Scholar: George Bunnie Moore
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Spartanburg
- Google News: Spartanburg
