UPDATE: The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Friday, March 27 at the J. Henry Stuhr Downtown Chapel, 232 Calhoun St.
William Moore, known in our pages for his political insights and at College of Charleston basketball games as the voice of the Cougars, died this afternoon, according to a CofC spokesman.
Bill has been an invaluable source for political commentary and perspective for the City Paper for the past several years, most notably during the 2008 elections. He was quoted in today’s issue regarding South Carolina’s political dynasties.
I first met Bill in late 2006. Weeks before the election that would usher in a Democratic Congress, the two of us batted around ideas about Washington’s future and what that meant for Charleston and South Carolina. I’m sure he loved talking basketball, but he also loved talking politics.
Our conversations over the years would always be prompted by some story I was working on. More than once, I’d walk away with more answers than I thought I needed. Bill had a vast knowledge of South Carolina politics and a frank perspective that would sometimes confirm I was on the right track, and other times offered a gentle correction before I made costly assumptions about S.C. politics.
We always ended up talking about any and every political scandal. In our most recent interviews, I could tell he was looking forward to the 2010 elections.
At the end of our last talk just a few weeks ago, the last thing I told him was that I always enjoyed bending his ear. It was much less than I would have said if I’d known it would be the last time. I’d have let him know how much I appreciated his help through complicated topics, his patience with silly questions, and his passion for sharing his experience whenever I called.
Here are a few other stories Bill contributed to:
Popular state sovereignty bills draw comparison to Civil War posturing March 18, 2009
How to Build A Better (But Still Antiquated) Republican Rocket Ship Nov. 19, 2008
Where’s the Money Going July 25, 2007
Red Is the New Blue Nov. 8, 2006
The comments from CofC President George Benson:
It is with a heavy heart that I notify you of the passing of Dr. William Moore, a longtime and highly regarded professor of Political Science, voice of Cougar basketball, and president of the Southern Conference.
His family was at his side when he passed on this afternoon.
Professor Moore served on the College’s faculty for nearly four decades. An author, political analyst, former department chair, and beloved teacher, he embodied the values and traditions of the College.
Over the years, he received numerous honors for his dedication to teaching, including a Distinguished Teaching Award, Distinguished Service Award, Distinguished Advisor Award, and a Distinguished Teacher-Scholar Award.
Professor Moore’s vast knowledge of Southern and American politics, sharp insights, and historical references made him the go-to source for colleagues, researchers, and reporters across the state and region. He will be sorely missed.
On behalf of the entire College community, Jane and I offer our sincerest condolences to Professor Moore’s family, friends, and colleagues.
Remembering Bill Moore Part II: What’s So Funny?
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