At a ceremony surrounded by local community leaders, family and friends, George R. Moore spoke of his love for LaGrange and for the very same people there to recognize him.

Moore was recognized Tuesday at a ceremony at Fire Station No. 1 on South Davis Road. With his wife of 58 years, Ruth, at his side, Moore watched as a new sign was unveiled dedicating station to him and renaming it to the George R. Moore Station.

Moore, 81, has been a longtime leader in LaGrange and Troup County.

The Alabama native moved to LaGrange in 1963 and since has served as a school counselor at East Depot High School, assistant principal at LaGrange Boys Junior High School, principal of Hill Street Junior High School and assistant principal at LaGrange High School. Moore retired from the school system in 1989.

“We, Ruth and I, came as a young family in our 30s, now we’re in our 80s,” Moore said during the ceremony. “Forty-eight years ago I declared LaGrange the best city in Georgia.”

Moore also was on the Troup County Board of Assessors for 12 years from 1983 to 1995. In 1996, he became a LaGrange City Council member, a position he held until 2007.

“Very few people come through our lives like George Moore,” Mayor Jeff Lukken said. “George Moore loves LaGrange, loves Troup County … and he always rolls his sleeves up and does what’s needed of him. Rarely in my time in LaGrange have I met someone as outstanding as George.”

Moore has also been involved in organizations such as the Optimist Club, Georgia Retired Teachers Association, Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Phi Delta Kappa, Fort Valley State College National Alumni Association and Georgia Sheriff’s Association. He also is an active in Warren Temple United Methodist Church.

“I have been blessed all my life to do volunteer work and give my service to others,” Moore said.

Matt Chambers can be reached at mchambers@ lagrangenews.com or (706) 884-7311, Ext. 228.