Paul Vance Moran

Paul Vance Moran, age 55, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 while on personal business in Beckley, WV. He was born on April 18, 1967 in Willoughby, OH, to the late Ron Moran and Sharon Moran Bruce.

Paul married the love of his life, Julie, in 2018, in Madison, AL. Deeply in love and inseparable, they looked forward to a long and happy life together. Paul and Julie recently relocated to Cullman, AL with their three youngest children, where they found their dream home, fulfilling Paul’s dreams of country living.

A practical joker with a heart of gold, Paul was always willing to do whatever it took to put a smile on someone’s face or be there to help in their time of need, no matter the cost or effort involved.

Paul loved working and playing outdoors, laughing and spending time with his family, researching family history and genealogy, watching reruns of his favorite episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, and cheering on his favorite college football team, the Alabama Crimson Tide. He and his family attend Temple Baptist Church in Cullman, AL.

Paul was a 1985 graduate of Liberty High School in Glen Daniel, WV. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18. Paul honorably served his country from 1985 until 2005, retiring as Sergeant 1st Class E-7 after 20 years of service. During his time in the Army, he was stationed at Fort Stewart, GA, Fort Irwin, CA, Germany, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD, and Fort Bliss, TX. Paul also served in Korea and Bosnia during that time. Three years in a row, he participated in and completed the grueling Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range in White Sands, NM. Paul earned, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Driver and Mechanic Badge, and the Global War On Terror Ribbon. Paul accomplished many other things during his years of service, which included PT Excellence, and serving as a Military Combatives Instructor. However, he was most proud of his final MOS of working within the PATRIOT Missile Systems community.

In 2005, Paul graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management from Park University. He went on to earn a Master of Arts Degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University in 2011.

Paul began his civilian career as a THAAD Technical Engineer 2 at Raytheon Technologies in Huntsville, AL in 2006. In 2007, he was hired as the Senior Test Analyst for Intuitive Research and Technology Company. He supported Air and Missile Defense programs such as THAAD, PATRIOT, and LTAMDS. Paul’s expertise in Air and Missile Defense completely changed these programs in their approach towards Qualification Testing, which he loved deeply. His dedication to these programs and the soldiers who utilized these capabilities was an inspiration to all who worked with him. Paul was sought after by U.S. Army leadership to creatively solve problems and deliver solutions to increase the operational effectiveness of these systems. Paul’s coworkers cherished his friendship, and his professionalism was second to none.

In addition to his wife, Julie, Paul is survived by his four sons, Christopher Moran (Rachelle) of Trussville, AL, Matthew Moran and Timothy Moran, both of Gardendale, AL, and Jacob Thompson of Cullman, AL; his two daughters, Jordyn Thompson and Ashley Thompson, both of Cullman, AL; his two grandchildren, Kenleigh and Korbin Moran of Trussville, AL, who knew him as “Poppaw” and were his greatest joy; his mother and stepfather, Sharon and Bill Bruce, of Coraopolis, PA; and a sister, Ronda Williams of Myrtle Beach, SC. Paul also leaves behind countless relatives, all of whom were deeply touched by his immense generosity and love of family.

Paul was preceded in death by his beloved father and best friend, Ron Moran, of Beckley, WV, grandparents, Alvin and Hester Moran Strunk of Oceana, WV, and Clifford R. and Dorothy P. Green of Midland, MD.

A funeral will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, November 8 at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, in Beckley, WV. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

An additional funeral will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, November 11 at Moss Service Funeral Home, 1901 2nd Ave NW in Cullman, AL, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Immediately following the service, Paul will be laid to rest with military honors at the gravesite at Cullman City Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Blue Ridge Funeral Home in Beckley, WV. Online guest book at www.BlueRidgeFuneralHome.com.