Music surrounds Moore’s funeral

Stone-gray skies drizzled light rain onto the mourners filing into First Baptist Church on Park Street, as choir-sung hymns offered hope to the friends and family of LeRoi Holloway Moore.

Moore, 46, saxophonist and arranger for the Dave Matthews Band, died Aug. 19 in Los Angeles from an embolism, a complication from injuries he sustained in a June 30 all-terrain vehicle accident. Moore had been released from the hospital and was going through physical therapy in Los Angeles to be near the band when he became ill July 17.

About 1,000 people solemnly listened as a trio led by John D’earth played a sweet and sorrowful “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” a trademark song for Moore.

“I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live,” proclaimed the Rev. Sherry Hardwick Thomas, of Trinity Episcopal Church, as she led the procession into the sanctuary. The linen-cloaked casket of Moore came close behind, followed by family, pallbearers and friends, including band members.

The congregants affirmed life’s goodness and mercy in the 23rd Psalm. They heard the New Testament promise no more death, no sorrow, no tears and no pain. They heard the promise that a place shall be prepared in Heaven.

“We believe that death is not the end,” the Rev. William A. Guthrie said in his eulogy. “Death is just the beginning, the beginning of life in Christ. Roi had a strong relationship with God, and it is that relationship we turn to now.”

Moore was born Sept. 7, 1961, in Durham, N.C., to Roxie Holloway Moore and the late Albert P. Moore. The family moved to the Charlottesville area early in Moore’s childhood. His love of music showed itself early, and he earned the nickname “Bop Bop” for his attempts at scat, the vocalization of jazz riffs.

He attended area schools, graduating from Western Albemarle High School, and continued studying saxophone and music theory long past graduation. He learned many different instruments and sought new sounds to use in the band, associates said.

“He was a great friend who had so many talents and loved so many people and had really begun to love himself,” Dave Matthews told the congregants. “We would sit together at Miller’s and talk and talk about music — sometimes I’d do all of the talking and sometimes he would — until we were gently asked to leave.”

Matthews recalled Moore’s sense of humor, his talent, knowledge of music, infectious laugh and ability to take a nap anywhere at any time. He said Moore’s sudden death made him regret those things that were left undone.

“We should not wait to do things; that’s what death tells us,” Matthews said. “I love my friend, Roi. I miss him. I do, and I always will.”

The congregation received Holy Communion — “one last meal to send Roi on his way,” Thomas explained — and local musician Michelle Arrington sang the gospel song “To Live is Christ.”

Roland Wiggins, who taught Moore advanced music theory, performed on piano Moore’s favorite spiritual, “Keep Me From Sinking Down,” with a jazz groove. The congregation then prayed and commended Moore’s spirit to Heaven.

“Human grief is not unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death,” Thomas comforted the mourners.

As the congregation sang “For All the Saints,” Thomas led clergy, casket and family from the sanctuary to awaiting vehicles and a procession to a private graveside service.

The funeral over, mourners shook hands, hugged and shed quiet tears. Then they slowly filed out of the church and into a pouring rain, leaving LeRoi Holloway Moore to rest in peace.