On July 20, 2023, William “Cash” Moore, 85, an iconic businessman in Okaloosa County, passed away peacefully in the hospital with his beloved daughter Cashen Moore and her mother, Sheri Nesmith, by his side.
- He left behind a successful business and a lasting impact on his community.
Cash began his legendary life on November 29, 1937, in Fairport, New York, born to Carl and Delores Dunn. Later on, he moved to the Emerald Coast, where he was raised by Richard Moore Sr., alongside six siblings: Dickie, Johnny, Jerry, Dee Dee, Sherry, and Margie.
- After graduating from Crestview High School, he embarked on his college journey, attending various schools in Mississippi before finding his place at Auburn University, where he honed the savvy business skills for which he became known.
During college, Cash worked in a clothing store near the campus, and cleverly sold football players’ tickets to games to earn money. His resourcefulness and ability to build relationships earned him the iconic moniker “Cash” and forever altered the trajectory of his life.
In 1965, Cash Moore achieved another milestone by opening his own bar, the Faux Pas, which swiftly became a popular hotspot on the coast.
His showman personality and unmatched talent for entertainment helped his business flourish, eventually expanding to include the largest independent liquor chain across Northwest Florida, encompassing 10 stores, 6 sports bars, a gentlemen’s club, and a night club.
- Despite his numerous successful ventures, it was Cash’s infectious personality that drew people together for nearly six decades.
In 1984, Cash met Sheri when she attempted to enter his club, and their connection deepened as they spent the night playing Pac-Man. Five years later, they welcomed their daughter, Cashen, into the world.
Amidst all his achievements and accolades, Cash always maintained that Cashen was the greatest blessing in his life. The two shared a special bond and became best friends, spending the majority of their time together.
“My dad was not only an amazing father to me, but also my best friend,” said Cashen Moore. “I don’t know what I am going to do without him by my side, but I know he will always be with me.”
Cash cherished spending quality time with his daughter, from shopping trips, to watching her gymnastics competitions, and skiing together in Aspen. However, his greatest joy came from being the best “Pop Pop” to his three grandchildren, Kaleesi, Cash, and Million.
To Cashen, her father was a hero who imparted invaluable business knowledge and equipped her to take over the family empire, continuing his legacy.
- “I truly am the luckiest girl in the world to be able to call him my dad,” said Cashen. “I don’t know how I could ever thank him for this life he has given to me and my children and I will do my very best to follow in his footsteps and continue his legacy.”
Cash will always be remembered as a determined and resilient individual, but those fortunate enough to know him experienced the immense kindness of his heart and his wonderful sense of humor.
- He was deeply involved in his community, whether it be through generous donations, like gifting a gym full of equipment to Freeport High School, or by purchasing championship rings for multiple schools.
“I want to say thank you to everyone that has reached out to me,” added Cashen. “My dad always knew he was popular, but I know he is even amazed at how much love people have shown since his passing. I am especially grateful to my mom for being there and helping me get through this process.”
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Wednesday, July 26 from 5-8pm at Emerald Coast Funeral Home in Fort Walton Beach, with the funeral following on Thursday.
11 Responses
I worked as sport page when I was 18 year old, I first week I worked there I meet Bobby Hutch, Hutchison, 1 months later I purchase a home on Holmes Blvd, with only $1000.down and I don’t have credit (18 year old ) I left the job to pursuit my dream, and got $10.000 in 401 k years later, thank you Cash, Hutch, Janet for selling me a home, thank you Patti Baker his secretary, and so many friends and family as sport page…
A true ICON. Everyone grew up with Cash. We all love him and enjoyed the fun times he gave us all. Full of wonderful memories. All knew how much he loved his daughter Cashen . Great business man, friend and great father will be missed by all
Went to work for Cash’s in 2009 (I think), blessed in many ways to have known him. Will miss him dearly to say the least. Fly high dear Cash!!
Blessed to have known you and the family who gave me the chance to help myself!
I met Cash in the early 80s.I actually saw him up on the ladder fixing his sign the day the photo was taken.I lived on Okalossa Island.I remember visiting his home on Okalossa Island.I was a fireman in the USAF and worked on Okalossa Island.His home was right near the entrance to the missile site.Cash was very kind to me.I often wondered how his life turned out.Im so pleased to hear of Cashen and her love for her father.This one hurts.RIP my friend
I opened the Faux Pas for Cash on the Island in 1978. Being from AZ he didn’t know me from Adam. I worked the upstairs bar and had a ‘run in’ with the owner of Pat O’Brians from New Orleans. He wanted to charge his tab to the city Ledger and I said no because he wasn’t listed. He went and found Cash. I thought for sure I was being fired when they came up to the bar together. Cash introduced me, said to add him to the book. His friend gave me $100 for doing my job and said I should come to New Orleans and work for him. Cash turned around and told me to take his name off the ledger and make him pay cash – then told me I was moving to the main bar so I could watch the store for him.
He was a tough man Cashen, but I really liked working for your father.
I worked for Cash in 1977-78 at Bachelor’s. A few nights a week I worked as a DJ and other nights bartending in the pool room. I was trying to put myself through school at Okaloosa Walton Jr College. Cash was always kind and had a good sense of humor. Loved him as a friend. I met Cashen when she was 2-3 years old.
Beautiful baby girl whom her Daddy was crazy about. She literally meant the world to him. RIP my friend.
I was a part time DJ way back in the early 90’s at the Faux Pas, DJ Serch was the resident DJ there. It kicked off my DJ career and they were the fun days! I didn’t know Cash Moore much, but the few conversations we had were great and hilarious! His sense of humor was just like mine,
Jeff was the DJ and I took money at the front door of the Faux Pas when we met in 1989 and married 3 months later! Still married after 37 years and 3 kids. My daughter went to school with Cashen too! I think we can all agree that he was the father most of us didn’t have, and aggravated him as much as possible! Gotta love him!
I remember Cash and Chaser hot tub billboards in the early 80’s when I was in grade school. I met Cash one time as a 14 years old at the Fort Walton Beach Pro Am Golf Tournament at Fort Walton Beach Municipal Golf Course . I knew Edwin Watts and his son John I would help in the Golf tournament in August. I saw Cash on the 9th green. He asked me how the hole would break. I said that way. Cash made a 12 foot putt. Cash said ” Thank you” . Pretty cool for a 14 year old. In 1984 Cash was very well known.
I moved to FWB July 1990 , I had been to FWB several times. I loved his saying’s by checkout “ I would rather you pull a gun than a check “ and “ Banks don’t sell liquor and Cash don’t cash checks” he was an Icon . R.I.P