Ronald Moore created a legacy during the 36 years he worked at J.L. Mann High School in Greenville.
Twenty of those years were spent coaching boys’ varsity basketball. Moore led his teams to win three state championships in 1970, 1979 and 1982. He also secured 10 playoff appearances, five conference championships and 353 total wins as the head basketball coach.
Over the years, Moore also worked as an English and social studies teacher, football coach, golf coach, baseball coach, athletic director and assistant principal at J.L Mann High. Moore said he always enjoyed his interactions with students, both in and out of the classroom.
“The awards and the wins and the trophies are all important, but they don’t compare to the relationships that you form over the years,” Moore said.
Moore has continued working for Greenville County Schools as a substitute teacher for more than two decades after retiring in 2004.
J.L. Mann High recently honored Moore for his longtime service to the school by dedicating its gymnasium in his name. Craig Marchant, a J.L. Mann alumnus who played on the 1970 state championship basketball team, spearheaded the effort to rename the gymnasium after his former coach.
“It was time to do something,” Marchant said. “It’s just well deserved that his name is put on the gymnasium.”
Moore’s family, friends, former players and students gathered on Feb. 6 to officially celebrate the naming of the Ronald E. Moore Gymnasium, also known as “The Ron.” The dedication ceremony took place between the girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball games on Friday night.
At the dedication ceremony, Moore was presented with the Order of Silver Crescent by state Sen. Ross Turner (R-Greenville County). The Order of the Silver Crescent is South Carolina’s most prestigious service award, given to individuals with exemplary community contributions and achievements.
Greenville City Councilmember Wil Brasington also read a letter from Clemson University’s Interim President Bob Jones, congratulating Moore on his recent recognitions. Moore attended Clemson University after graduating from Greenville High in 1962. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Education from the university.
Earlier in the day, Greenville Mayor Knox White also visited J.L. Mann High to declare Feb. 6, 2026, as “Ronald E. Moore Day.” White congratulated Moore on his long-term service to the high school and the Greenville community.
“Ron Moore continues to set a positive example as a mentor and guide for six decades to numerous athletes, students, teachers and parents, instilling character, sportsmanship and integrity along the way,” White said while reading the proclamation.
More about Moore
Ronald Moore has worked in the education sector for 60 years. He has spent 58 years working in Greenville County Schools. He worked at J.L. Mann High School from 1968 to 2004, serving in various roles.
Moore coached basketball, baseball, football and golf while at J.L. Mann High. In addition to basketball state championships, he also helped the school’s boys’ varsity golf team secure a state championship in 1982.
Ronald Moore was inducted into the J.L. Mann Hall of Fame in 2014. He was also named the state basketball coach of the year five times and the state golf coach of the year in 1982.
