Francis Moran

1935 - 2025

Rear Admiral Francis Delmas (Billy) Moran affectionately known as "Pop-Pop" passed away at his home Tuesday, September 16, 2025 in Valrico, Florida where he lived his retirement years. Born on April 8, 1935 in Biloxi, Mississippi, he was a devoted husband and loving father.

Billy graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in geology and mathematics. After graduating, he was awarded an assistantship at the University of Tennessee.

A proud veteran, Billy served in the United States Army, the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps, its successor, the Environmental Science Services Administration Corps (ESSA Corps), and ESSA Corps' successor, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Office Corps (NOAA Corps). He served as the third Director of the NOAA Corps.

During his career, Billy created and led two new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) aviation units and served on five NOAA Ships. In 1974, he attended the University of Rhode Island full-time, graduating that year with a master's degree in marine affairs; during his time at the university, he established the first fisheries program for NOAA personnel.

Billy was the first director of NOAA's Office of Aircraft Operations, bringing together five semi-autonomous NOAA aviation units to create the new office. Billy received the Department of Commerce Silver Medal for his work during his 1983-1986 tour, and was the only NOAA Corps officer qualified in every type of helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft in the NOAA inventory, amassing over 6,000 hours of flight time.

On June 17, 1986, President Ronald Reagan nominated Bill to the rank of Rear Admiral (Upper Half) to serve as Director of the NOAA Corps and Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.

In 1990, he returned to Miami to spearhead the relocation of the new Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) to MacDill AFB in Tampa. In 1992, he led the AOC to the Commerce Department's highest award; the Gold Medal for Performance during and in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, before retiring in 1994.

Billy was hard-working and dedicated, and despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix or build. And there was nothing he would not do for those he loved. A giving man, his neighbors caringly remember him for the grilled salmon he would make for them each year at Christmas.

Though Billy may not have liked being the center of attention, he deserves to have his long years of fatherly love honored. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and generosity, and he left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Billy was a man of few words, but the words he shared were deep with intent and filled with love. We thank you for all the calls, thoughtful words of advice, and boundless love you gave us. We are better people because of you.

Billy is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Kathryn, son Del Moran and daughter-in-law Brooke, daughter Kelly Kalamas and son-in-law Kal Kalamas, and granddaughter Madelyn Moran, as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

We find comfort in knowing that Billy's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.

Billy always held a deep affection for his hometown of Biloxi, returning whenever he could to spend time with cherished friends and familiar places. In keeping with his wishes, he will be laid to rest at the Biloxi National Cemetery, surrounded by those who meant the most to him, in a quiet and loving graveside service on October 17 at 12:30 p.m.