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Mr. Thomas Richard Moran, age 74, of Moreland, passed away August 23, 2019.
Mr. Moran was born in Atlanta on March 5, 1945 to the late Thomas and Eugenia Moran. He attended Christ the King grade school in Buckhead and graduated from St. Pius X Catholic High School in 1963. Mr. Moran went on to study at the University of Georgia where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and a Judicial degree. It was in Athens that he was a member of the UGA gymnastics team. In 1969, he graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law and began working as an attorney alongside his father in downtown Atlanta. Mr. Moran then spent many years practicing law in the Georgia State Attorney’s Office. He also spent some time as the Assistant Solicitor under Solicitor General of Fulton County Hinson McAuliffe. In 1972, Mr. Moran became the youngest lawyer to argue a case in front of the United States Supreme Court. He was appointed as a judge in recorder’s court in Dekalb County in 1974 by the county chairman, Bob Guhl. Mr. Moran spent most of his career practicing criminal law. He eventually retired in 2010.
A true outdoorsman, Mr. Moran became an Eagle Scout at a young age. Throughout his life, he enjoyed camping, canoeing and hunting. He was a gun enthusiast. He also had a love of history, which contributed to his passion for Civil War era weapons. He began hunting with black powder guns but eventually discovered the benefits of scoping with modern firearms. Mr. Moran was athletic and adventurous. He was a committed cyclist who enjoyed extended cycling trips around the western part of the United States. He also had a knack for building sailboats and prop planes, both of which he commanded successfully. Although his original plan was to sail around the world, amazingly Mr. Moran sailed his way to Bermuda in a small sailboat. He also flew gliders and single prop planes he assembled himself. Mr. Moran lived a brave life full of excitement and adventure.
He was a storyteller who was always willing to share his life stories with others. He had a heart for dogs and cherished his many pets. Mr. Moran spent 28 wonderful years with his wife Cheryl. The couple spent the last 12 years in the city of Moreland. Memories of Mr. Moran will be deeply cherished by his wife, daughters, grandchildren and friends.
Mr. Moran is survived by his loving wife: Cheryl Harper of Moreland; daughters: Elizabeth Moran of Acworth and Stephanie (Steven) Tarry of West Sussex, United Kingdom; grandchildren: Catherine (age 16), Alastair (age 12), Natalie (age 9), Samantha (age 7) and George (age 4); beloved canine companions: Sammy, Jack, Daniel and Henry.
A memorial service will be held in Mr. Moran’s honor at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 26, 2019 at the Georgia Cremation chapel, 1086 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville. Messages of condolence may be left at www.GeorgiaCremation.com.
Margaret Ferguson says
Cheryl, I am so saddened to hear this. You found and enjoyed the love of your life and enjoyed many memory making times that will become more precious as time goes by. May God bless and keep you.
Kathi Sumner says
Cheryl, Beth and Stephanie,
Tommy was a great friend and neighbor. Enjoyed are talks and get togethers. He will be greatly missed. You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
God Bless,
Kathi Sumner
Jeff Boatright says
Tommy was a man of achievements and opinions – tempered by compassion. He’s missed already.
Jim Mercier says
Cheryl, Thank you for calling me Friday. Tommy was a dear friend. I truly miss lunch with Tommy and Bob Couch in the days of the Counsel House. I was truly saddened by Tommy’s passing and my heart is grieving today for I cannot obtain a leave to attend his funeral. I will always remember Tommy’s laugh and sharing past stories. I will truly miss him and I pray that your heart be lifted . My deepest condolences to you and Tommy’s daughters. Amen
MarQuez Smith says
Cheryl, Liz and Stephanie,
There aren’t any words that may fill the empty void of having him there. However allow the fond memories run the cup over of how great of man he was to you all — and many others; to be in the absence of the body is to be in the presence of the Lord. Please accept my condolences during this difficult time.
Cynthia Strong-McCarthy says
My dearest Cheryl I am deeply saddened by your lost. May you know that you are loved by many. May the love they share with you comfort you at this time. I will miss Tommy getting you on the telephone when I call. He was truly a very accomplished man.
Anthony Hoag says
Hello Cheryl,
I recently reached out to you via email to check in with you and family. When I did not hear from you, I thought something may have happened. I am very sorry to hear that Thomas passed. I enjoyed my brief time with him in Atlanta and only have fond memories of the extended family and cousins I have down there.
Our Love and prayers are with you as we celebrate the holidays.
Jim Martin says
Dear Cheryl,
I read in the Georgia Bar Journal that Tom had passed away. I first met Tom at the University of Georgia and we became friends. Over the course of the following decades our paths crossed on a number of occasions and we renewed our friendship. Tom was an outstanding lawyer and a good friend. I can safely say that I have never met anyone quite like Tom with his varied interests and activities. Joan and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and the family.
Jim Martin