A Texas native who began his college coaching career in his home state, Jerry Moore jokes about the challenge he faced in learning to speak in a Southern manner after Appalachian State hired him.
Nearly 30 years later, the long-standing North Carolina resident with the familiar, endearing drawl has received the state’s highest civilian honor.
Moore was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine on Friday night during the Legends Gala hosted by App State Athletics at Camp Yonahnoka in Linville. Conferred by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper, the award recognizes “exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina.