William Whitaker Moose, Sr.

William Whitaker Moose, Sr.

William Whitaker Moose, Sr. passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 peacefully at his residence in Mt. Pleasant, NC. He was born on March 7, 1938 in Stanly County, North Carolina. Moose showed his love for his hometown very early in life as he independently set out to visit every home on Main Street in Mt Pleasant. By the age of 14, Whit was an Eagle Scout and later served as an Assistant Scout Master. He graduated from Mt Pleasant High School in 1956.

“Whit” as most of his friends knew him, started his pharmacy career at a very early age as he grew up in the family-owned business, Moose Drug Company. The pharmacy business, originally established in 1882 by Whit’s grandfather A.W. Moose, remained a family gathering place for generations to come. In 1960, Whit was awarded his Pharmacy degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Following graduation, he joined his father in practicing and managing the family pharmacy back home in Mt Pleasant.

He was committed to practicing pharmacy with the highest standards of professionalism which paved the way for Whit to become an effective leader in the pharmacy community. Moose served 23 years on the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy, including 3 terms as President. He was also President of the North Carolina Pharmacy Association and President of the National Community Pharmacy Association. He also served a five year term on the American Council of Pharmacy Education, the organization that inspects and accredits schools of pharmacy and pharmacy continuing education programs in the US.

Moose’s innovative practice model and outstanding service to advance the field of community pharmacy have been recognized by organizations across the state and nation. In 1967, Whit was awarded the Bowl of Hygeia Award and in 1994 he was recognized with the UNC School of Pharmacy Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award. In 2001, he was honored with the M. Keith Fearing Jr. Community Pharmacy Practice Award on behalf of Campbell University School of Pharmacy. His leadership with Moose Pharmacy caught the attention of Wake Forest School of Business when the entire Moose Family was awarded 2009 NC Family Business of the Year Award. Although Whit has been recognized with many well-deserved awards in his career, perhaps the greatest achievement has been the legacy he has left to those who practice in his footsteps working within Moose Pharmacy. Whit opened his doors to mentor pharmacy students and employees. Each learner who trained with Whit walked away with a vision of an innovative community pharmacy model and the understanding to serve the community with fairness and integrity.

His willingness to serve his community extended beyond his work of progressing pharmacy practice. He served 10 years as a Volunteer Fireman for the Mount Pleasant Fire Department. Whit was a member of the Lion’s Club and founding president of the Jaycees. He served on the Mt Pleasant Town Board and Mt Pleasant Food Ministry Board. He has also served on several County boards including The Cabarrus Meals on Wheels, and the Salvation Army. If it was near Christmas time, you could always find Whit outside, rain or shine, ringing the Salvation Army bell.

Whit was also very active in his church, St. James Anglican Church, (formally St James Reformed Church) in Mt Pleasant. He taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, served on the consistory and served on every committee within the church.

Poppie, as his family called him, had a curious spirit and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures – a good meal, great book, good company and a well earned 5pm cocktail. He was a master gardener who didn’t just grow vegetables but also a deep love for his family, Carolina basketball, his church, politics, the community of Mt. Pleasant and the pharmacy profession.

Whit’s family legacy continues through his beloved wife of 65 years, Dorothy Ridenhour Moose. He is also survived by his sons, William Whitaker Moose, Jr (Dana), Joseph Moose (Ashley); brother Hoy Moose, Jr (Nancy); cherished grandchildren William (Andrea), James (Kaitlyn), Spears, Walter, Jacob; and great-grandchild, Zoe Grace; nieces Kim, Nancy, Angie (Darren)

Whit is preceded in death by his father Hoy A. Moose and his mother, Pauline Whitaker Moose.

The family will receive friends at Gordon Funeral Home, 8559 Cook St., Mount Pleasant, NC 28124 on Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at St. James Anglican Church, 8350 Walnut St, Mt Pleasant on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 3:30PM officiated by Rev. Todd Davis. A committal service will follow the service at St James Cemetery at 8500 Walnut St., Mt. Pleasant, NC 28124.

Memorials may be directed to St. James Anglican Church, PO Box 447, Mt. Pleasant, NC 28124