Donor Stories

Neal Moore’s Memorial Gift to Support Multiple Causes

Four years after Neal Moore's beloved wife, Linda, lost her battle with cancer, he established a charitable gift annuity with the Georgia United Methodist Foundation. This legacy gift will one day honor her compassion for at-risk children and youth, victims of domestic violence, and hungry, homeless, and abandoned animals.

The Moores' love story spanned nearly 60 years. They married in 1960 while Neal was serving as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in Albany. During the next 18 years, Linda traveled extensively as an Army wife, raised two children, and made many lifelong friends.

"Her most cherished moments were those of wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Linda touched many lives. She never met a stranger. Linda loved people, and people loved her. She always gave freely of herself to help those in need. She helped amputees returning from Vietnam at the Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Fort Gordon. Later she served as a volunteer coordinator for 10 years with the American Red Cross in Shelbyville, Tenn.," Neal shared. "Most recently, she dedicated herself to The Methodist Home in St. Marys, where she served on the Auxiliary Board of Directors. She loved the boys and was instrumental in starting The Methodist Home Golf Classic, an annual fundraiser. She also loved helping people and animals in so many positive ways."

Neal knew he wanted to honor his wife's memory with a single legacy gift that would support multiple causes that had been close to heart, but it wasn't immediately clear how he would accomplish this goal.

"Whenever I make a major decision, I always talk to three people," Neal said. "I first talked to my financial advisor and explained what I wanted to do and asked how I could do it. Then, I talked to Alison Evans, President/CEO of The Methodist Home in Macon, whom I respect, and she referred me to the Georgia United Methodist Foundation."

"For many years, Neal and his lovely wife, Linda, have supported our Home for boys in St. Marys and several other charitable causes. After Linda passed away, Neal wanted to ensure their annual giving to these entities remained strong long after his death," Alison said. "While the Georgia United Methodist Foundation can assist churches and organizations like The Methodist Home in so many ways, I knew one of their major strengths is working with individual donors like Neal to help them reach their charitable giving goals. I introduced Neal to Dr. Rick Lanford (Foundation Regional Vice President), who I knew could help make this happen. The Georgia United Methodist Foundation proved to be the right partner."

Rick adds, "Whenever a person wants to make a meaningful legacy gift, which in Neal's case benefits multiple organizations, it always brings me great joy to help them navigate the process. The Foundation is a trusted resource, and our donors know we will always honor their wishes when administering their gifts.

"Neal purchased a charitable gift annuity contract with the Foundation using gifts of appreciated stock. In return, he receives fixed payments during his lifetime. After he passes away, the Foundation will gift the remaining funds in Linda's memory to support The Methodist Home, the Camden Community Crisis Center, and the Humane Society of Camden County."

"I'm not a wealthy man. I'm a retired soldier. Linda was a splendid person who always tried to help other folks. She deserves to be remembered," Neal said. "I know whatever is received will be used wisely. I receive the greatest joy from giving and know this is what Jesus wanted me to do because He says to love your neighbor as yourself."