Roger Owen Moore

Captain Roger Owen Moore (“The Original 007”), 87, passed away on February 3, 2025. He was born May 1, 1937, in New York City, New York, to Charles and Irene Moore and was raised in Babylon, New York on Long Island. After graduating from high school, Roger moved to El Paso, Texas, to live with his oldest brother, Charlie Moore. This phase of his life is where his love for aviation took flight. A close and dear friend and pilot, Chuck Michel, took him under his wing to teach him about the adventures of flying, avec the thrills of acrobatic maneuvers to seal the deal. From 1957 through 1960, Roger accrued flight time ferrying various aircraft and flying Curtiss C-46 cargo planes across the continental United States for AAXICO (American Air Export and Import Company) while pursuing his flying certifications.

In 1961, Roger was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. Quickly recognized for performance excellence by his superiors, Roger was offered a well-earned advancement to higher ranks. However, yearning to once again “dance the skies on laughter-silvered wings” (credit: “High Flight" by John Gillespie Magee Jr.), Roger requested and was granted Honorable Discharge after fulfilling his 2-year commitment with the Army.

In March 1964, Roger landed at Delta Air Lines, where he earned a first-officer seat on the Convair CV-440, Douglas DC-6, DC-7, and DC-9, and Boeing 747. In due time, he was promoted to Captain, flying Boeing 727, 757, 767, and Lockheed L-1011.

In 1967, not but a few short years after starting his career with Delta, Roger rested his eyes on a striking young stewardess named Stephanie. Leaving nothing to chance, Roger secured a first date and then a marriage 10 months later. Within this courtship lies a story told countless times, yet one that never gets old for those who can appreciate the beaming demeanor radiating from the still-smitten couple.

Embodying the ‘007’ mindset of understated confidence, grace under pressure, and a quiet assurance that commanded respect, Roger always exhibited discipline in everything he did and approached life with a carefully executed plan—which served him and those under his care well. After nearly 33 years of service with Delta (March 4, 1964 - November 1, 1996), transporting hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of souls on vacations, business trips, and family gatherings from North America and the Caribbean to Europe and Asia, Roger retired his wings of glory and settled into an equally, if not more, fulfilling life of devoted family time with Stephanie, children Brian, Brigitte, and Holly, and later, daughter-in-law Chelsey, and grandchildren Kai and Van.

Roger’s love of travel and precision in the cockpit afforded him an honorable and highly regarded (and enjoyable) life for him and his family. While there are countless memories worthy of note, the one that best celebrates his accomplishments and life’s work is his final flight into retirement. Surrounded by family and a tightly bonded flight crew, Roger celebrated in grand ‘007’ style. Landing in Honolulu, Oahu, the L-1011 commanded by Roger was greeted with an impressive water salute. Fire trucks accompanied the airplane to the gate with plumes of water forming arches over the fuselage. This ceremonial tradition symbolizes respect and celebration for such a significant milestone in one’s flying career. The ensuing celebration included a grand dinner that, in all senses of the phrase, “left nothing on the table.”

As a husband, Roger Moore was one of a kind—not just because he was the “original” 007 (which he charmingly shared when anyone likened him to James Bond), but also because he was the kind of husband any mother and father would hope for their daughter. Roger put every ounce of his heart and devotion into his wife, Stephanie. His commitment and adoration for her was always apparent no matter the situation or the company they kept. And over the years, it just got stronger and more apparent. Stephanie was one lucky lady.

As a father and role model, Roger was an old-fashioned man. A man of character, ethics, and morals. A man of authentic charm. A man of strength. A man of discipline. A man of devotion. And, most importantly, a man of faith. Among his friends, Roger was very well liked by all for his charisma, lively conversational style, clever wit, and astuteness. He could make anyone feel special—because they were. Being around him, you’d feel right at home, or even a part of the family.

Roger is survived by his wife, Stephanie Moore, of Dallas, Texas; son, Brian Moore, and wife, Chelsey, and grandchildren, Kai and Van, of St. George, Utah; daughter, Holly Moore, of Capistrano Beach, California; brother, Donald Moore, and wife, Adelita, of Boston, Massachusetts; and sister-in-law, Kathi Moore, of Graceville, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Brigitte Moore; father, Charles; mother, Irene; brother, Charlie and wife, Nellie; and brother, Gerry.

A Funeral Mass for Roger will be held Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Saint Rita Catholic Parish, 12521 Inwood Rd, Dallas, Texas 75244, in the Church. A reception will follow from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM in the Parish Commons (Section A) adjacent to the Church on the Saint Rita campus.

In lieu of flowers, at the families request, please make a donation to your charity of choice.