Raymond Edward Moorman (Joe), 90, of Centerville OH passed away peacefully at Bethany Village in Centerville the morning of 14 Oct 2024. He was born in Dayton Ohio on 6 October 1934 to the late Leo and Walburga Moorman. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Cletus and Earl and sisters, Angela, Alice and Martha. While growing up in the shadows of the Dayton VA he became a graduate of Chaminade Julienne HS located in downtown Dayton. As a youngster he recalls shopping for clothes downtown with his father and seeing Orville Wright on a number of occasions. He was a fan of the UD Flyers, Reds, and the Buckeyes. He is survived by his wife Marjory (nee Rowland) and his three sons, Timothy R. and his wife Teresa, (Bellbrook), Thomas E. (Bellbrook), and Matthew L. (Columbus). He leaves behind three grandchildren, Danielle (Milwaukee), Krista (Norfolk NAS), and Benjamin (Pennsylvania) as well as 8yr old, twin great grandchildren, Ava and Jackson.
He enlisted in the Ohio Air National Guard at Springfield Beckley Airport in Springfield Ohio as a pilot candidate for the 162nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron. After graduating from the Aviation Cadet program as the number one pilot, he returned to Springfield to fly the T33, F84, F100, and finally the A7D. After holding various positions in the squadron, he was eventually named 162nd Squadron Commander. Later he was promoted to the state staff as the state Director of Operations (Colonel), then Deputy Chief of Staff (Brigadier General), then ultimately promoted to, Chief of Staff (Major General). After 36 years of faithful service, he retired from the military in July of 1992. Ray was also a faithful and longtime member of the Daedalian's, Frank P Lahm, Flt. 9 Chapter, of Dayton Ohio, rarely missing a Thursday night gathering.
Concurrently with his time in the Air Guard he was a lifelong civil servant employed at Wright Patterson AFB where he worked in Foreign Military Sales as a budget analyst. He worked with a variety of weapon systems but was most proud of his involvement in the sale of F15 Eagles around the world. This afforded him many travel opportunities from Europe to Asia.
After retirement he enjoyed spending his time volunteering at the US Air Force Museum where he cultivated many new friendships with fellow patriots and airplane enthusiasts. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and helping his eldest son Tim with his custom home building business.
During the winter months, you could find Ray and Marge at their snowbird home near Bradenton Florida, soaking up the sun, visiting with old Guard acquaintances, and dodging the cold.
A memorial gathering will be held at Tobias Funeral Home, 5471 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45429 on 23 October from 3pm to 5pm where stories can be swapped and lies told by all. A short service will begin at 5pm.
In lieu of flowers it is requested donations be made to the Honor Flight of Dayton.
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