Thomas Doss Sr.

05/01/1931 - 02/21/2026

A proud Marine of 30 years and 60 days of service attaining the rank of Chief Warrant Officer-4 and temporary rank of Captain died February 21, 2026, at age 94 at his home in Roanoke, Virginia. October 1949 was the beginning of 18-year-old Private Thomas Doss' career in the United States Marine Corps. He endured six major campaigns in Korea, including the Inchon landing and the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir.
After Korea, he returned to civilian life in Norfolk, VA, his native home for 5 ½ years. He married the love of his life, Virginia Lee and had two children, Lee Cason Doss and Thomas Law Doss, Jr. He returned to the Marines in 1959, spending two years aboard the USS Princeton during nuclear testing at Johnston Atoll and delivering helicopters to Vietnam. He served with the 5th Communications Battalion in Danang, Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. He also served aboard the USS Inchon as Combat Cargo Officer, including mine sweeping operations in Haiphong Harbor, Vietnam. He has 21 duty stations in his career, which took him to Camp Lejeune, NC, Norfolk, VA, Cherry Point, NC, Iceland, Long Beach, CA, and Frederick, MD.
Upon retirement, Captain Doss joined and was an active member of the Virginia Beach Sail and Power Squadron. He became commander of the Power Squadron in 1990 and during his membership achieved the organization's highest educational award, that of Full Certificate or Senior Navigator.
He is survived by his children Lee, Tom and wife Darlene, two sisters-in-law Margaret and Norma, and five grandchildren, Scott, Ashby, Kate, Ginna, and Alexa.
Viewing will be at the Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel location on Saturday March 7, 2026, from 1:30 to 2:30 followed by a graveside service at Forrest Lawn Cemetery at 3:00.
We would like to thank Carilion Hospice and BrightStarCare for their support. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com