KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. (AP) – Rick Moore, the father of North Carolina Republican House Speaker Tim Moore and a former local elected official, died Monday at age 75.

The elder Moore died at his Kings Mountain home after a “long-term health battle,” Tim Moore spokesperson Demi Dowdy said Tuesday.

Richard Keith Moore was a U.S. Army veteran who owned and operated a furniture store and a convenience store in Kings Mountain. He also served on the City Council for 12 years, according to an obituary from Harris Funeral Home.

Among those expressing condolences Tuesday was Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who in 2017 appointed Rick Moore to the North Carolina Travel and Tourism Board.

In addition to his son, Rick Moore’s survivors include his wife, Jean; a daughter; and four grandchildren.

A funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at First Baptist Church in Kings Mountain, with interment to follow.

Rick Moore’s death prompted the House to cancel its committee meetings and any floor votes this week. The Senate won’t have meetings after Tuesday or floor votes this week. Tim Moore is in his record fifth two-year term as speaker and is running for Congress this year.

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