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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sun Herald from Oct. 3 to Oct. 12, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Francis Moran

Sponsored by The Sun Herald.

9 Entries

Jan Zysko

October 28, 2025

Rest well my friend. You were a visionary, with untold accomplishments and a forever friend.

Susan Sutherland

October 23, 2025

Mary K, Kelly and Del, and family, I am heartbroken for the loss of Admiral Moran. I cannot tell you how much he believed in me and how it much it accelerated my career path. A man of few words, never ever, told me he was trusting me, but am devastated. Please accept my condolences and hugs. I´ve not received Christmas cards and I realize why. My best, Susan

Fred Jeffries

October 21, 2025

I met Billy in Honolulu in 1973, and admired his quick wit and attention to detail. I worked down the hall from him in Rockville and frequently visited his office to complain about frequent moves and family relocations, but he always had words of encouragement and sage advice. I shall always cherish his memory and I will never forget the kindness that he demonstrated for me. Fred Jeffries.

Nancy Houston

October 15, 2025

So sorry to hear about billy wish I was there so many good memories and crazy ones used to ride those goofballs to southern ever Monday morning and they would sleep the whole way when I had a flat I woke them up to fix it they said you can fix it we asleep after that little conversation they all got and fixed it ha love those good times wish we could get together

Curtis Mack

October 13, 2025

Billy will be sorely missed. In simple words, he was a good man.

I will always be grateful for his guiding newly minted Deputy Administrators through the bramble bush of NOAA. He did so with competence, good humor and, most of all, integrity.

But most of alll he was a good friend.

Have calm seas oh admiral of the universe. Until we meet again.

In friendship,

Curtis

Margaret Baltar

October 13, 2025

With love , prayers and sympathy to Mary Kay and all the family. May Billy Rest In Peace.

Craig McLean, NOAA CAPT (Ret.)

October 6, 2025

RADM Moran enabled my career in multiple ways and many times, though he deflected my gratitude with humility. I appreciated his leadership and personality, and his expressions of confidence.
An example of the man was my first meeting. The NOAA Fish Fry is now a widely attended near commercial event. At the time it was a dozen organizers with portable grills, fish, and beer from a local restaurant. I volunteered to cook fish in a line of other aloha shirts. I introduced myself to the next cook in line, who was "Billy." He never expanded his introduction beyond his first name though he significantly outranked me as a very senior officer. We joked and laughed and worked through the cleanup. At the end he complimented me as a junior officer and wished me well in my NOAA Corps career. I would work for him in multiple assignments, with appreciation and admiration.
To Kelly, Mary Kay, Del and all the family, I offer my sympathy and appreciation.

Tracy A Dunn

October 5, 2025

Admiral Moran was the Director of the NOAA Corps when I was commissioned in late 1987. I only knew him at that time through his directives to improve officer standards. Although only an ensign and new to the uniformed service, I respected his vision. I later volunteered for a unique program he implemented with NOAA´s Office of Enforcement where NOAA Corps officers were assigned to enforcement for a land assignment. The program did not continue after the initial assignments, but it was representative of the approach he took to improve the value of the NOAA Corps to the agency.

I met with Admiral Moran in Miami while assigned to enforcement in the FL Keys to talk about how the program was working. During our discussion I did not feel any barriers due to the difference in rank (I was a lieutenant at the time). He was gracious and did not rush our time together. I, on the other, hand was a bit nervous considering the status and accomplishments of the man.

I stayed with enforcement after the completion of my land assignment and will forever be thankful for the opportunity Admiral Moran´s leadership and foresight brought to those of us selected for the enforcement assignment.