William Franklin Moore

William F. Moore       1928-2022

Capt. William Franklin (“Bill”) Moore (USN Ret) passed away peacefully in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida on August 7, 2022 at the age of 94. Originally from Carmel, CA, he was the only son of James and Elisabeth Moore. He graduated from The Kiski School (Saltsburg, PA) and then attended Stanford University on a scholarship awarded by the U.S. Navy’s Holloway V5 Aviation Program. He studied civil engineering and subsequently earned his Naval Aviator designation in 1950. After graduation he bravely served as a fighter pilot over multiple deployments to both the Korean and Vietnam wars - his fleet career beginning with VF-193 in the F4-U Corsair and ending with VF-51 in the F8 Crusader. He also served as Commanding Officer of VT-22 at the Navy’s Advanced Fighter Training Command, and on the strategic staff of Supreme Allied Commander Europe at NATO headquarters in Mons, Belgium.

While serving in the Navy, he met the love of his life, Sara Nelson Bishop Moore. They shared a life full of love and happiness for 61 years. After multiple moves while in the military, they settled in Jacksonville, FL where he worked for the Charter Oil Company. Retiring in Ponte Vedra Beach, Bill enjoyed supporting the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Palms Presbyterian Church, and especially Sawgrass Club team-tennis – he stayed active on the tennis court up to age 93. More than anything, he loved spending time with family, friends, and his Irish Setters.

He lived a life of integrity, dignity, and honor. Left with cherished memories are his wife Nelson, son Bill, Jr. (and wife Michelle), daughter Dana Moore Rattazzi (and husband Lupo), granddaughters Elisabeth, Catherine, and Cosima, grandson Nicholas, sister Susan Moore Wintringer, and many nieces and nephews. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. A celebration of life will be planned for a future date.