John Westley Moore was affectionately known as “Bootsie” or “Big John.” Bootsie fought a great fight, battling leukemia that came on suddenly. He received his wings on July 14, 2021. His great spirit, strong body, mind, and loving soul will be missed deeply by many. He lived his life on his own terms. A remarkably simple man who was not flashy but loved to dress…He was fresh.
He was born at Saint Thomas Hospital in Akron, Ohio, to Idella Moore and Elton Massey. He attended Akron Public Schools. He was a great wrestler and was on the wrestling team in high school. He worked for NYC, Broadview Developmental Center, Kem Ko Tool and Die Company, The Creamery at Akron University, and the Blind Center, where he met the love of his life.

He was an extremely hard worker, who loved his children and grandchildren deeply. He was a great son, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, partner, and friend. He loved his family very much and was true to his family. He could fix just about anything you needed to be done, a Jack of all trades. He could sew and would make his own clothes. He really enjoyed bowling, playing pool, basketball, cards, and loved watching sports. His favorite teams were the Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Indians, and the Cavs. He was one of the best cleaners too. He would clean the house from top to bottom, spic and span. He had a passion for fixing things and putting things together. When you needed something done. He would do it for you. Sometimes, he would do things for you that you never even asked him to do. He would see that it needed to be done and would do it. John could cook like no tomorrow; he was an exceptional cook. His food was exceptional, he put love into his cooking. The thing he loved to do the most was his medication for relaxation.

John was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mary L. Brown; mother, Idella Davis; father, Elton Massey; sister, Ruth Ashford; great-nephew, LaShawn Williams; great-nieces, LaShae Johnson, Nadia Pickett, and MiKayla Pickett; great-nephews, Isiah Stevens, and Jeremiah Stevens; brothers-in-law, Cloyed Spragling, Chester Stevens, Richard Williams, and Johnny Davis.
He leaves to cherish his memory his life partner for over 20+ years, Paige Rackley; daughters, LaTwana Moore, Caress Arnold, Jade, and Melinda Moore, all of Akron, OH.; grandchildren, Daishanay, Daisharay, David, and Delia Easter, Kamari, De Andre, Armohni, and Da’Riah Arnold, all of Akron, OH.; siblings, Mary Risper of Forney TX., Robert (Barbara) Moore, Texarkana, TX., Linda Williams, Helen Moore Spragling, Elton Moore, Kenny Moore, Michael Moore, Larry Moore, all of Akron, OH., Debbie ( Michael) Williams of Lithonia, GA., Sherry Moore, Veronica Moore, Varetta (James) Dillehay, James Davis, and Maurice Davis, all of Akron, OH.; special sister-in-law, Cynthia Moore of Akron, OH.; and a host of special nieces, nephews, lots of great-nieces and nephews, and a host of family members and friends.

A special thank you to his big sister Linda Williams for everything you have done for Bootsie. You were a great sister and a true friend to him. Job well done; you did all you could do. He loveed you and deeply appreciated you. Also, a special thank you to Julius (Julio) Wright and Emma Benson. We love you all.