Thomas Edward Murley

Thomas Edward Murley, 86, of Fairfax, Virginia, passed away peacefully in the early afternoon of September 3, 2023. Tom was born October 29, 1936, the beloved son of the late Grayson and Berniece Murley of Richmond, Indiana. Tom attended Richmond High School and set many track records and was a champion wrestler. He went on to attend Purdue University and pursued his dream of becoming a pilot by joining the Naval Air Cadet Program. He then transferred to Wright State University joining the United States Marine Corps and graduating with a business degree. Tom served three tours in Vietnam as a combat pilot, two tours in helicopters (CH-46 and HS-36), and one tour fixed wing (A-4E Skyhawk). He was awarded multiple air medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross. Tom was severely wounded in 1970; surviving he was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery and sacrifice in combat. After a long honorable career, he retired as a Major from the USMC in 1979. Following his 25-year military career, he went on to work in the defense industry for Lear Siegler, and Developmental Sciences Corporation. Upon a second retirement, he established his own successful home inspection business, Abode Check, in which he found great enjoyment in it for two decades. Tom had a special knack for spreading laughter and a sense of happiness wherever he went thanks to his unique sense of humor and cheerful personality. However, when the situation demanded it, he could shift into a serious mindset, offering precise and clever solutions to tackle the problem. He thoroughly lived by the JFK quote, “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.” A devoted husband, Tom was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Janice Louise Murley. During their life together they enjoyed raising their two children Cami and Randy and were very proud of them. Tom and Jan loved traveling the world, as well as spending time with their family and friends. They had a strong Christian faith and were active and cherished members of Oakton United Methodist Church in Oakton, VA. Tom’s love for Jan was unwavering and now they are reunited once more. Tom was also preceded in death by his sisters Rose and Joan, his brother Richard, and most recently by his daughter Camilla Anne Barrientos (Fernando). He is survived by his sister Helen, his son Randall Allen Murley, daughter-in-law Heidi, and son-in-law Fernando. His five grandchildren Raquel, Selina, Cody, Sydney, Natalie, and four great grandchildren Romeo, Leila, Apollo, Bodie, and many nieces and nephews. Tom flew the blue to help protect you, fly high, Semper Fi. In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations in memory of Tom to ZERO Prostate Cancer www.zerocancer.org or to Oakton United Methodist Church www.oaktonumc.org Services for Tom Murley will be held on Monday, September 18th at: Pierce Funeral Home 9609 Center St. Manassas, VA 20110 Visitation: 11:00am Service: 12:00pm Followed by a procession to Quantico National Cemetery as a final tribute to honor Tom at 2:00pm

Thomas Edward Murley

October 29, 1936 - September 3, 2023