Anthony Allen Moles, 62, of Pinch, West Virginia, lost his courageous 16-month battle with cancer on September 26, 2026, at home, surrounded by the people he loved most.
Tony was born on April 5, 1964, in Charleston, West Virginia, to Jimmie and Rosella Moles. From an early age, Tony developed a deep-rooted love and respect for the outdoors. That appreciation began when he was just eight years old and grew into a lifelong passion for hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors.
Tony was an avid and respectful sportsman who found his truest peace in the quiet moments before dawn, sitting in a tree stand or turkey blind, waiting for the woods to come alive. He loved the thrill of the hunt in Ireland, West Virginia, and the peaceful rhythm of casting a line into the lakes of Gowganda, Canada. His passion and dedication took him across the country and beyond, creating memories and friendships that he cherished throughout his life.
Tony’s accomplishments as a sportsman were something he was incredibly proud of. He is recognized in two record books: the Pope and Young Record Book for two bucks and one bear, and the Boone and Crockett Record Book for two caribou. He was a proud member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the National Wild Turkey Federation. In 2024, Tony completed his Grand Slam alongside his son, Adam. In April 2026, the two traveled to Mexico together to complete their World Slam—a special accomplishment and memory they will carry with them forever.
Tony graduated from Herbert Hoover High School, where he wrestled, ran track and played football. He was a proud Husky through and through—Go Huskies!
After completing electrician school, Tony began his 40-year career as a Master Electrician with McBrayer Electric. He was a proud member of IBEW Local 466 and, in 2005, followed his entrepreneurial spirit and started his own company, KandM Electric, which he operated until his retirement in May 2025.
As a Master Electrician, Tony left his mark on communities throughout West Virginia, wiring numerous buildings and facilities, including the Shawnee Park Complex, University of Charleston, Greenbrier Library, Boy Scouts Buckskin Council, Laidley Towers, Weston DOH and Stonerise.
Tony was the kind of person who didn’t just talk about helping—he showed up. Following the devastating Clendenin Flood of 2016, he volunteered 18–20 hour days helping families and businesses rebuild. He worked tirelessly to help restore power and made sure people had their lights back on. Helping others was simply who Tony was. He was presented the First Treava Mullins Leigh Memorial Spirit of Clendenin Award.
Outside of work and the woods, Tony was a faithful and enthusiastic Mountaineer fan and a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan. He also had a mischievous side that his family and friends will never forget. In 2019, Tony decided that Herbert Hoover High School needed a Husky statue. So, naturally, he purchased one—and then installed it at the old high school in the middle of the night. That story, like so many others about Tony, is sure to be told and retold for years to come.
Tony’s greatest pride, however, was his family. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He leaves behind his loving wife of 23 years, Cathy Burford-Moles; daughters, Kenzi Hedrick (Matthew) and Jessica Smith (Jadd); son, Adam Milam; and his six grandchildren, Brayden Milam, Lillian Smith, Kolson Moles, Kannon Hedrick, Levi Milam, and Lochlyn Smith.
He is also survived by his nephew, Jimmie Lynn Moles (Missy); brother, Lynn Moles (Jennifer); and many extended family members, lifelong friends, and treasured hunting and fishing buddies who shared countless adventures and memories with him.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie and Rosella Moles, and his uncle, William Russell Quigley.
Tony lived a life full of adventure, hard work, laughter, family, and the outdoors. He was a man who loved deeply, worked hard, helped others, and never needed much of an excuse to head to the woods or pick up a fishing rod. His stories, his sense of humor, his generosity, and his love for his family will live on in all who knew him.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the nurses and Dr. Miklos Auber at WVU Ruby Cancer Center. A special thank you is extended to the wonderful staff on the ICU unit at Thomas Memorial Hospital who went above and beyond for the compassionate care shown to Tony during his illness.
A celebration of Tony’s life will be held at a later date.
