After WWII, he used funding from the GI Bill to attend college, first at Eastern Michigan University and then graduating from the University of Michigan in 1949 with a bachelor's degree with a major in accounting. During his time in Michigan, he met, wooed, and married his wife of 62 years, Juanita Louise Moss (nee Foor), who was the love of his life.
After graduating from the University of Michigan, he entered graduate school at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, graduating in 1951 with a Master's degree in accounting. He worked briefly for Texas Eastern Transmission Pipeline Company in Shreveport, LA, before returning to Arkansas in 1952 to organize the Business Department at Arkansas A&M College. In 1954, he moved to Houston, TX to work for the Internal Revenue Service. In 1955, he accepted a position in the Business Department at Southern Arkansas College in Magnolia. In 1956, he accepted a position at the University of Houston. In 1957, he returned to Arkansas A&M College, where he remained until 1981, when he resigned to run for Governor of the State of Arkansas.
Mr. Moss became a Certified Public Accountant in 1955 and maintained that accreditation throughout the remainder of his life. When he returned to Monticello in 1957, he established his own accounting practice and remained active in accounting throughout the rest of his life. He had various partners and employees in his accounting practice. His wife, Juanita, worked in the firm for many years. He briefly had a partnership with his son-in-law, Jack D. Burson, and his daughter, Eugenia Burson (nee Moss) also worked for the firm during that time. Over the last three decades of his life, his accounting practice, Moss, Burks, Moss & Co., was in partnership with his son William D. Moss and Ricky Burks. The partnership maintained practices in Monticello and Pine Bluff. Mr. Moss was active in professional activities of certified public accountants throughout his professional career and served a term in the early 1970s as President of the Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants. One of his most important accomplishments while president of the Arkansas Society was spearheading the continuing education requirements that then Governor Clinton signed into law.
Mr. Moss was a member of the Rotary Club in Monticello, was a Paul Harris Fellow of the Club, served in leadership positions within the Monticello Chapter of the Club, and served as District Governor of Rotary International in District 617 (now District 6170).
Mr. Moss was active in politics most of the latter part of his life. He was elected and served on the Drew Central School Board in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1984, he ran for Governor of the State of Arkansas in the Democratic Primary, losing to Bill Clinton. He enjoyed the rough and tumble of politics, and wrote numerous opinion pieces on political and other issues, many of which were published in state and local newspapers. Even though he was never afraid to strongly state and defend his own opinion, he had many friends on both sides of just about every issue, and enjoyed the vigorous debate between all comers. In his later years, his opinion pieces usually contained his signature line, "Mercy me, sakes alive, and carrot coffee!".
In his spare time he enjoyed sports, rooting vigorously for the Razorbacks and the Wolverines. He also enjoyed working on his farm, and had a brief enterprise as a notorious pumpkin farmer, raising giant pumpkins, some of which were entered in the Drew County Fair. He became interested in genealogy and helped to trace several branches of his family tree. He enjoyed meeting with and communicating with former students. He was a vigorous advocate for the value of education, and spent a significant amount of time writing opinion pieces on the state of education in Drew County, Arkansas, and the nation.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Monticello and served many years as a Deacon and an Elder in the church.
Mr. Moss was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Juanita Louise, and one son, Robert H. Moss. He is survived by two sons, Steven C. Moss of Hermosa Beach, CA and William D. Moss of Pine Bluff, AR, and one daughter, Eugenia Hope Burson and her husband Jack D. Burson of Superior, CO. He is survived by five grandchildren; Clint C. Burson and wife Jessica of Hamilton, MT; Callie E. Payne and husband James of Westminster, CO; David R. Moss and wife Kelly of Jacksonville, AR; Clayton C. Moss and wife Mandy of Monticello, AR; and Hannah J. Moss of Pine Bluff, AR. He is survived by six great grandchildren with a seventh soon due. He is survived by two brothers-in-law, Herbert Foor and wife Judy of Grayling, MI and Bruce Badger of Bushnell, FL. He is also survived by eight nephews and nieces. During the last part of his life, in addition to his family, he enjoyed round-the-clock care from several caregivers, including Gayle Knight and Stacy Thornton, both of Monticello.
Condolences(25)
Leon Mourton
Little Rock, AR Sunday, August 5, 2012 I just heard of your father death. I aways enjoyed Kermit attending the Tax School in Monticello. I offer my deepest sympathy.Leon Mourton
Rodney Owens
Siloam Springs, AR Sunday, August 5, 2012 Will miss his pontifications although I don't think I ever agreed with him. Really a colorful man. My condolences.Dennis & Cathy Metheny
, AR Thursday, August 2, 2012 Just wanted to expreee our sympathy to all the family.Kay Moseley Simmons
Little Rock, AR Wednesday, August 1, 2012 I have known of Kermit Moss all of my life....he graduated from high school with my parents at New Edinburg in 1937. I shared this obituary with my mother, Ophie Sims Moseley (Rex) at Presbyterian Village here in Little Rock today. We both wish God's blessings on his family.....he sure had a full and blessed life.Tom Hendrickson
Germantown, MD Wednesday, August 1, 2012 I met Kermit through his friend, my father, Paul Hendrickson and followed his writings and website posts over the years.. Kermit was an inspiration to me who enjoyed contributing to and caring about his community.God bless him.
Tom Hendrickson
Jo Anne Smith
Greeneville, TN Wednesday, August 1, 2012 I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Moss. I first met him while working for the Advance, and then working with him while I was at the Cornerstone Coalition. Being from Alabama, and being an Alabama fan, I loved hearing the stories that he would tell me about Bear Bryant working on the family farm for his father. In addition, I just loved sitting and talking with him. I loved his insight and his wit.The world has lost an original. He will be dearly missed.
JOE D. RATLIFF
PINE BLUFF, AR Wednesday, August 1, 2012 MR. MOSS TAUGHT ME ALL I KNOW ABOUT ACCOUNTING ( THE ONLY ACCOUNTING INSTRUCTOR I EVERY HAD) BUT I MOSTLY REMEMBER HIM FOR HIS CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR. HE HAD A WAY OF MAKING A DULL SUBJECT FUN AND INTERESTING. I WILL MISS HIM.Dale Ridgway
Pine Bluff, AR Wednesday, August 1, 2012 I met Kermit when he was stumping for governor (you gotta admire any man who will wear a lime-green blazer), and later looked forward to his submissions to the Pine Bluff paper. Monticello has lost a stellar citizen, and south Arkansas has lost one of its last premier scribes.Uncle Herb, Aunt Judy and family
Jackson, MI Tuesday, July 31, 2012 Our dear family;We are so sorry to hear of the passing of our beloved Brother In-Law and Uncle. Kermit was a wonderful man and he will truly be missed. His smile was as big as his "pumpkins", his heart was even larger, but his stories are what we'll remember the most. We will always treasure the wonderful tales around the dining table during the family reunions . We regret that we are unable to be there with all of you during this most difficult time, but know that we are there in spirit to help comfort you in your time of sorrow. God has opened his arms and welcomed him home and Aunt Juanita and Bobby are standing there and guiding the way. Hold on to the love and memories you have and may his memory continue to live on in all of you. With all of our LOVE and prayers, your family in Michigan.
Uncle Herb and Aunt Judy,
Donna (Ted), Russ (Karen), Mike (Angie) and Ken
Evelyn Baker
Mountain Home, AR Tuesday, July 31, 2012 I was so sorry to hear of Kermit's death. I'm so glad I got to visit with him recently when I was in Monticello. He was such a good friend and business associate all the years we lived there. I always enjoyed reading his articles. He had a unique way with words and a good sense of humor. He left his mark on the town he loved, and he will be sorely missed.Gene Davis
Pine Bluff, AR Tuesday, July 31, 2012 I remember Mr. Moss as my accounting instructor. He was a great instructor and I will always remember him telling us "Debits go next to the window" I always had the utmost respect for him and he will be missed.UAM Class of 1972
Lelia (Guin) Davis
monticello, AR Tuesday, July 31, 2012 Steven ,Gena,and Bill, I am so very sorry for your loss of Mr. Kermit. He and your mom both were very special people. I always loved and admired them.They will be missed so much for not only the friendships they made but for the sunshine they always brought with their smiles. I never saw them without a smile on their face and something positive to say. Remember the good times you had with them. Love, LeliaTango Friends
Boulder, CO Tuesday, July 31, 2012 We are all so grateful to have had the opportunity to know Kermit and share time with him on his trips to Colorado. He was a lover of 'life'! He passed that amazing quality along to his daughter, his precious Gena Belle. Thank you Gena for sharing his life with us and for being such a beautiful example of a daughter 'well-loved' by her Daddy.Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
We love you,
Friends @ Tango
Bishop Sam Wherry
Monticello, AR Tuesday, July 31, 2012 The death of Kermit Moss is one that death brings honor, glory and a legacy that will forever live. I will forever cherish this giant of a Christian Gentlemen. During my senior year at UAM we talked and he counseled with me extensively of my professional career for I was at the cross roads to Law school at the University of Arkansas or the Divinity School at the University of Chicago. His insight and counsel lead to a mutual decision to attend the University of Chicago for he cherished their combine academic agenda in Business and Divinity that would equip me for administrative professional agendas in the Faith Base as well the Private Sector arenas. He was such a giant of a man with a heart so big that he just wanted the best for any and all. The University of Arkansas-Monticello has a true legacy here to add to it's stellar entities who pioneered this great and historic academic institution for he loved UAM and Monticello, Arkansas and Arkansas in General with a passion and commitment second to none. Death for Kermit C. Moss is most definitely not a blind alley that leads him into a state of nothingness, It is an open door that leads him into eternal life with the Almighty God and Jesus Christ for he truly Loved God and served his purpose and calling each and every day.Marisol Villagomez
Denver, CO Tuesday, July 31, 2012 So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. It’s such a blessing to hear about what a great influence he was to his family and to anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be missed. My Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and I pray for an extra portion of Gods strength, peace and love upon you and your family in this difficult time.stacy Thorton
Monticello, AR Tuesday, July 31, 2012 I would like to send out my condones to the family! I would like to thank you all for allowing me to be part of his life! He is truly an amazing person and truly enjoyed caring for him, also enjoyed hearing his story's!! He will be truly missed!!Catherine Taylor
Malvern, AR Tuesday, July 31, 2012 Dear Stephen, Bill and Gina: We were so sad to read of the death of Kermit. He and Juanita were close friends during our years in Monticello when Gerald was pastor at First Baptist Church and Catherine worked as secretary for their company. He was always the gentleman and we liked him tremendously. We enjoyed his letters in the paper and they always brought a smile to our faces. They encouraged us by writing frequently when we served in Senegal, West Africa as missionaries. God is good all the time. Love, Gerald and Catherine TaylorKen Turner
Madison, MS Tuesday, July 31, 2012 Bill...my thoughts & prayers are with you. I'm very sorry I cannot be there.ken Robinson
Pine Bluff, AR Tuesday, July 31, 2012 Remembering your family at this time, and recalling the many fine dicussions with Mr. and Mrs. Moss when I rented space in their office on a part-time basis several years ago. Drew County has lost one of its most iconic figures.Robert Carter
Houston, TX Monday, July 30, 2012 Mr. Moss was my first Accounting Professor at A&M. I remember him with great appreciation.becky peacock wright
monticello, AR Sunday, July 29, 2012 I remember my dad (gene peacock) visiting mr moss. My dad always spoke of the good visits they had together now mr moss can pay my dad a visit in heaven my dad really like mr mossbecky peacock wright
monticello, AR Sunday, July 29, 2012 My father gene peacock visited with mr.moss alot he always spoke of the good visits he had i heard his name spoken alot now Mr Moss can visit with my dad in heavenPat Savage Montgomery
Monticello, AR Sunday, July 29, 2012 So sorry to hear about Mr. Moss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Gary McCullars
Natchez, MS Saturday, July 28, 2012 Condolences from the Warren McCullars' family.Elaine Keys
Conway, AR Saturday, July 28, 2012 Kermit was a very special person. He will be missed by his family and friends. I enjoyed the years working with him. Praying for the family at this time.