Daniel P "Dan" Moran

Daniel "Dan" P. Moran, 62, of Bowdon, Georgia, passed away on August 15, 2025. He was born on December 14, 1962, in Patterson, New Jersey, the son of the late Frances Moran and Mary O'Brian Moran.

Dan lived a life marked by service, faith, and a passion for history. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, devoting 8 years to active duty and an additional 14 years in the Naval Reserves. His time in uniform shaped his character and instilled in him the discipline, patriotism, and sense of brotherhood that carried throughout his life.

Following his military career, Dan worked as a security officer with Google, where his dedication, dependability, and protective spirit were well known. Beyond his career, Dan's greatest joy was keeping America's story alive. A devoted student of history, he believed in honoring the past by bringing it to life for others. He portrayed a Union General in Civil War living history events, sharing his knowledge and passion with countless visitors, students, and fellow reenactors. Through these portrayals, he kept alive not just the memory of battles fought, but the lessons they carried forward.

Dan was also a man of faith and service. He was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Franklin, Georgia, where he served faithfully as a deacon. He was a proud member of Patmos Lodge #348 F&AM in Hanover, Pennsylvania, finding fellowship and purpose among his Masonic brothers. And while he was serious about service, he was equally enthusiastic about his favorite pastime - cheering for the Florida Gators. In fact, one of the last words he spoke to his wife was a cheer: "Go Gators!"

He leaves behind his loving wife, Stephanie Smith Moran; his stepsons, Nathan Webb and Travis Deason; and his sisters, Kathy Wrenn and Colleen Fels. He will be remembered as a man who loved his country, honored history, cherished his family, and lived his faith with sincerity.

Dan's presence will be deeply missed not only by his family but also by the communities he poured his heart into. To his fellow veterans, he was a brother-in-arms who never forgot the bonds of service. To his friends in the reenactment community, he was more than just a Union General; he was a storyteller, a teacher, and a guardian of history. Through his passion for living history, Dan inspired others to look deeper into the past and to remember the sacrifices of those who came before. His legacy will live on in every soldier reenacted, every history lesson taught, and every life touched by his devotion to truth and remembrance.

The family will receive friends at Martin & Hightower Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM until 1:30 PM. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Martin & Hightower with Pastor Shane Dawson officiating. Interment will take place in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery with Travis Deason, Jackson Brown, David Brown, Mike Caouette, John Bray, and David Brian serving as pallbearers.

Messages of love and condolences may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to serve Mr. Moran and his family during this time.