Merrill Moore, former news anchor for WCYB-TV, died Tuesday morning after a lengthy illness.
Moore, who lived in Johnson City had anchored the news on WCYB for 38 years. During his time with the TV station, he covered all of the big stories and interviewed newsmakers from every level, including governors, senators and several presidents.
While the news was his profession, his hobby was airplanes. He loved riding in them and reporting on them.
Journalistic colleagues credited Moore with bringing a focus on region news to WCYB. In fact, Moore was all over the Tri-Cities collecting the news – from small communities like Roan Mountain and Butler to the larger cities of Bristol, Kingsport and Johnson City. Moore was a frequent visitor to the STAR.
“All the staff here at WCYB are very sad to learn of his passing,” said WCYB General Manager Jack Dempsey. “Every person here that he touched is a better person for it.”
Moore was 80 years old.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.