Thomas W. Major (January 10, 1945 – March 10, 2021)

Thomas Major passed away at Fairfax Hospital on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee on January 10, 1945 to George and Ruby Major.

He attended North Nashville High School with dreams of serving his country, and upon graduating in 1963, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. His naval career included traveling the world, a wartime service in Vietnam, and being based in Hawaii, San Diego, Norfolk, as well as other stateside services.

After retiring from active duty and joining the reserves, Tom met and later married his wife Elizabeth “Yvonne” in 1981. He received his Master of Science in Engineering Management from The George Washington University. His civilian career included positions at several companies, most notably a systems programmer, systems analyst, account manager, and consultant position for Electronic Data Systems (EDS). With this company Tom and his wife spent five years working abroad, exploring and living in places such as England, Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, the Netherlands, and Australia. It was during these travels that he discovered his passion for alpine and cross-country skiing, in addition to appreciation of German cuisine and sailing on Lake Tegernsee with his wife and friends. After retirement from EDS, Tom served as a consultant for multiple defense companies in and around Northern Virginia, D.C., and Maryland.

In the late 1990s he welcomed his two beloved Labradors, Max and Maggie, to the family, and they shared in his other passions: water skiing and boating. On most weekends he could be found at Lake Anna relaxing on his boat with friends, family, and his dogs.

In 2004 Tom and Elizabeth welcomed another addition to their family, their daughter Gwynn. Tom so loved his daughter and took great pride in talking about her to any and everyone he met. Even during his illness, Tom showed doctors and hospital staff the large timeline of Gwynn’s pictures from his wallet. He would fondly tell them about her accomplishments and how he was so fortunate to have such a lovely daughter. He loved his “baby girl”.

Some of Tom’s most cherished memories were the summers he spent with his grandparents Momma Tula and Granddaddy Clark at their farm in Cheatham County, Tennessee. His favorite memory from his childhood was when he snuck his BB gun with him to the farm and one day shot at Momma Tula’s hens. The next morning for breakfast, instead of eggs he received a plate of BBs and his grandmother explained to him that he had scared the chickens so much that they wouldn’t lay eggs.

His mom loved to tell the story of how at four years old, Tom left the house unattended and walked down to the corner pharmacy and soda fountain. When he entered, he placed an order for chocolate ice cream while one employee rushed to notify his mother of his whereabouts. By the time she arrived, Tom was covered entirely in ice cream. Even from a young age it was apparent that when he set his mind to something, he did it.

Tom loved his life and all that came with it. He held malice toward none, and his optimism rubbed off on those around him. Others saw him as respectful and remarked on his positive energy and his million-dollar smile. Most importantly, Tom loved the Lord on good days, bad days, and all days in between. Up until he passed, he spent his time and energy serving, praying to, and following the Lord. He told his wife he was ready to see Jesus.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
- Isaiah 41:10

He is preceded in death by his mother, father, brother David Major, and his grandparents. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Elizabeth; his daughter Gwynn; his sister Ruby Poole; his brother Donald Major; and many nieces and nephews.

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