Former Habersham County Sheriff Richard D. “Rick” Moore, age 60 of Turnerville, passed away Thursday, July 26, 2012. Born in Greenville, SC on July 17, 1952, he was a son of the late William Ervin “Bill” and Jenny Louise Henderson Moore. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ronnie Moore. Mr. Moore was hired by the Habersham County Sheriff’s Department on August 31, 1985. Eventually he was promoted to working in investigations. In the early 1990’s he began working with the D.A.R.E. program, and continued until resigning to run for sheriff in 2000. Mr. Moore was elected Sheriff of Habersham County in 2000 and took office in January 2001. He served as sheriff until January 2005. In his work with the D.A.R.E. program, Mr. Moore became very close to the children of Habersham County, affectionately referring to them as “his kids.” As sheriff, he supported and participated in many community, civic and benefit programs and events, and encouraged his officers to do so as well. Mr. Moore was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Surviving are sister and brother-in-law, Dana and Matt Thompson of Monroe; brothers and sisters-in-law, David and Phyllis Moore of Alpharetta, Bill and Kathy Moore of Roswell; special nieces, Alison Chick, Amy Jones, Katy Gibson, Carrie Britt and Meghan Gorka; great-nephews, Chandler Gibson, Alex Chick, Seth Chick and David Britt; Ricks’ All Star, Kalan Jones of Cornelia. Funeral services are 2:00 pm Sunday, July 29, 2012, at the chapel of McGahee-Griffin and Stewart with Rev. Dennis Ledford officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Turnerville. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Sheriff’s Youth Home, 8109 GA Highway 297, Swainsboro, GA 30401. An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.