Beloved FSU Icon Guy Moore, Owner of Garnet and Gold, Passes Away

Guy Moore, the esteemed owner of Garnet and Gold and a cherished figure among Florida State University fans, has passed away at the age of 81. He died on June 17 at his home in the company of family, leaving behind a legacy that has touched countless lives in the FSU community.

For over four decades, Moore transformed the store into a must-visit destination for fans heading to FSU games. “You had to stop at Garnet and Gold on your way to the stadium,” recalled Gene Deckerhoff, the iconic voice of FSU sports. Moore, a proud FSU alumnus, opened his first store in 1979 on Pensacola Street, just a short walk from Doak Campbell Stadium.

Beyond his business acumen, Moore was known for his commitment to the local community. He employed thousands of students from FSU and nearby colleges, demonstrating his dedication to fostering local talent. “Guy would go out of his way to make sure the customer found what he wanted – even if that meant sending him to the competition,” noted Tara Kennedy, who served as the store’s Chief Operating Officer for over 30 years.

Moore's affection for FSU was evident in his numerous accolades, including being named a Golden Chief and receiving the Circle of Gold from the Alumni Association. His stores were among the first to be licensed by FSU, offering an extensive range of merchandise from apparel to tailgate gear. Longtime friend Sue Hall described him as “a very generous, sweet man,” particularly in his support of former FSU coach Bobby Bowden and his family.

Moore’s flagship store at Governor’s Square Mall became a bustling hub for fans, especially on game days. Deckerhoff reminisced about the vibrant atmosphere, stating, “You couldn't even turn around – and it was filled with fans from everywhere, not just Tallahassee.” His influence extended to the digital realm, where his business generated millions of website visits and maintained partnerships with Seminole media networks and student-athletes.