Commander Thomas W. Quay, USN (ret.), 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 23, 2019.

A Full Navy Honors Inurnment Ceremony will be held 1:00pm, Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at Barrancas National Cemetery. Please meet at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel at 12:00noon if you would like to join the procession to the cemetery. This is highly recommended if you don't have a military ID.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jane and Donald Quay.

Commander Quay is survived by his loving wife of over 58 years, Mary Quay; children, Joan Steed (Skip), Susan Tracy and Mary Quay-Chastain; grandchildren, Alex Chastain, Duke Chastain, and John Thomas Tracy. He also leaves behind his sister, Virginia Quay and his brother, David Quay (Sigred) as well as his many nieces and nephews.

Tom was born and raised in rural Minnesota. He was stationed in Pensacola at various times throughout his military service, first as a young naval cadet for flight training, later as a flight instructor and as the Director of Training at the Naval Aviation Schools Command until his retirement. During his Naval Aviator career he served on the USS Bennington, USS Kitty Hawk (Vietnam War), USS Wasp, and the USS Independence.

Tom savored every moment of his life on this earth. He was a loving husband and father, loyal friend, and a steadfast patriot. He loved being in the great outdoors; fishing and paddling the beautiful waters surrounding Pensacola, duck hunting in Mobile Bay, playing golf out at NAS, or serving up a tennis ball at Bayview. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

The family request memorials be made to Sacred Heart Cathedral in lieu of flowers.