William Joseph Moran Jr.
June 14, 1945 – Feb. 10, 2020
Sports Fans and Raisin Bran Lovers, sit back and enjoy the telling of another Bill Moran story. It began on June 14, 1945, when William Joseph Moran, Jr, was born in Wilmington, DE, to William J Moran Sr, and Esther Williams. In his 74 years, Bill never met a stranger (“Hey, can I ask you a question?”), never skipped a trip to get lost at Lowe’s or a Wawa run for a Diet Coke, never got rid of anything from his man-barn, never let a squirrel cross his backyard unscathed, nor missed a chance to retell a tale. Bill’s greatest loves were God and his cherished wife, Debbie.
Bill’s tales stemmed from his childhood in Lancaster, PA, adventures as a Navy EM3 (1963-65, Reserves-69), teaching the kids to drive on a ‘70 Monte Carlo (and then intending to restore it for 30 years), and working at Bell Telephone/Verizon for a total of 42 years. Bill’s love of Christ was embodied in his dedication as an Elder of New Harvest Church, 5 years teaching Bible Studies at Beaumont Juvenile Correctional Center as a volunteer, and a personal understanding that there are no boo-hoo’s right now: he is in no more pain and is with God! Bill died on Feb 10, 2020 – no, his next chapter began that day. Word on the street is that the Wendy’s in Heaven is in danger of running out of raw onions, and the angels are already telling Bill he’s told that story before. Ellie and Jason, Pappy is surely going to be in the NEW New Testament given his knowledge of Christ and all the stories he has to tell!
Family members who will carry on his legacy include wife Debbie Moran, of Powhatan, VA; sister Esther (Bob) Cooper, of CT; son Andy Moran of Philadelphia, PA; daughter Kristen (Todd) Pelton, of Elizabeth City, NC; and bonus-daughters Jen (Scott) Person of Hesston, KS; and Wendy (Joel) Schofer of Chesapeake, VA. Bill is adored by grandchildren Hailey (Spencer) Roberts, Amber Pelton, Brenna Moran, Erin and Nicholas Schofer, and Ellie and Jason Person.
He was preceded in death by Tucker, who was challenged to “Guard the Fort, Keep the Faith, And Don’t Pee on the Carpet,” and the USS Debbie-Lou, which was never that sea-worthy in the first place.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday 2/16 at 3pm at New Harvest Church, Powhatan, VA. Now it’s our turn to tell the stories!
Online guest book is available at affinityfuneralservice.com.
What a beautiful tribute to your father. Kristen, you and your family have our deepest sympathy and are in our prayers. You are loved so much.
Lou and Gary Godfrey
I was a good friend of Bill’s thru my involvement in the Cub and Boy Scout program. I was moral support for him as he worked thru his troubles that led him to move away from Lancaster. I remember his love of Scouting, his boat, and the wood lathe he had in his garage. I was sad when he moved away, but understood why he did so. It looks like I have lost another good friend, and the world has lost another Good Man. Rest in peace Bill.
Worked with Bill for a long time at Verizon in Lancaster, we always had a great time at work and sometimes even got some work done.. R.I.P Bill.
RIP Bill. I always enjoyed running into Bill and Debbie at almost every food establishment in Powhatan. Prayer said for you Debbie and the family.
RIP Bill. Prayers for Debbie and family. I was a good friend and co-worker at Verizon. I will miss him.
I had the privilege and honor to accompany Bill and his son Andy along with 6 other scouts to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico the summer of 1990. I’ll never forget his wit and humor on that trip and the ones we took prior in preparation for Philmont. He was an excellent person and a great leader. Even though we haven’t spoken in some time, I believe that no matter what we will always be bonded by our shared experiences.
I was Bills’ supervisor in Lancaster. We commuted to work together and were neighbors. Bill would never eat breakfast at home. He would bring his box of cereal to work, lay out his table setting on a desk and have his eats. He was famous for spraying a cleaning agent on peoples skin which when making contact was freezing cold. Bill also enjoyed pulling the belt hoop on your pants while standing at a urinal. One day I thought I would get him back. I walked into the restroom and saw who I thought was Bill, I rushed up grabbed his belt hoop and started pulling him away from the urinal. Would have been funny if it would have been him. Unfortunately it wasn’t. Sure looked like him from the back. Bill was a great friend. I was sad to see him leave Lancaster but I know he and Deb were very happy with that decision. I often reflect on the past and I’ll always have fond memories of Bill. I know he will be missed. To Deb, the kids and the rest of the family, you have my deepest sympathy.
Thanks for the great tribute to Bill. He talked of you often in his ‘stories’. You were a good friend to him.