Mr. Edward “Eddie” James Moran Sr., 79, of Chincoteague Island, passed away on Nov. 15, 2024, at Tidal Health in Salisbury, Md., surrounded by his family.
Eddie was born in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 4, 1945, to the late Raymond and Dot Merritt. When he was 12 years old, his family moved to Chincoteague Island, where he quickly became friends with J. Wesley Jeffries on the Little League field. Their friendship would last for 70 years.
As a teen, Eddie worked on the water and survived the 1962 Big Flood, which decimated most parts of the island he called home. After graduating high school, he entered the NASA apprenticeship program and eventually was employed by NOAA, from which he retired after 30 years of service.
Never one to sit still, he furthered his employment by becoming a bailiff with the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office in the General District Court. He also worked for Shore Transport as an ambulance driver and, most recently, was employed by the Town of Chincoteague as a driver/sprayer for the Mosquito Control Department.
Always one to give back to his community, Eddie was a member of several civic organizations including being a Shriner for over 30 years and a lifetime member of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company for over 40 years, where he was a past president. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 32 years and a member of the Sons of the American Legion, and he was a youth coach for several leagues on the island.
Eddie also lent his time to the Town of Chincoteague by serving on the Zoning Board and was a faithful volunteer in the bingo and raffle booth stands at the fire company’s annual carnival. He was a member of the Christ United Methodist Church, where he was involved with its choir for several years.
In his free time, Eddie loved to cheer on the Washington Football Team, which would always be known to him as the Redskins, and he loved NASCAR. Another favorite thing that he loved was traveling with his wife, Nancy, to Las Vegas to visit with her sister, Libby, and brother-in-law, Bill.
Eddie is survived by his two children, John Moran (Linda) and Eddie Sigmund (Elaine); seven grandkids and six great-grandkids.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 42 years, Nancy Moran, and his son, Jimmy “Dean” Moran.
There was a viewing from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Salyer Funeral Home on Chincoteague Island. A funeral service took place at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at Christ United Methodist Church on Chincoteague Island, with the Rev. Jon Woodburn officiating. Interment was at Daisey Cemetery on Chincoteague Island.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 691, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336
Services were entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc., on Chincoteague Island. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com
