Cdr Thomas Mauney

CDR Thomas Charter Mauney (USN, Ret), 92, passed away unexpectedly June 11, 2020, surrounded by his family. A long-time Gulf Breeze, Florida resident, Tom was born in Blairsville, Union County, Georgia on May 6, 1928, the son of Clyde and Irene (Stephens) Mauney.

Tom enlisted in the Navy while in high school and then graduated from North Georgia College in Dahlonega. He then proceeded to flight school in Pensacola (props) and Corpus Christi (jets), thus achieving his childhood dream of becoming a pilot.  Tom was a carrier qualified aviator who served his country for 30 years before retiring at the rank of Commander.   During his career, Tom attended Post Graduate School in Monterey, California, had duty stations around the globe, including Viet Nam, and aboard several aircraft carriers (USS Hornet, USS Roosevelt, USS Enterprise, USS Lexington and USS Saratoga).  He was truly the epitome of an Officer and a Gentleman.

Tom was blessed to spend 63 years with his beloved wife Jean, a strong woman who held down the home front as he served his country around the world. Jean was an amazing cook, home decorator and travel coordinator who kept her family bathed in love, joy and laughter. She passed in 2015 but her presence continues to be felt to this day by those who knew her.

Tom was also an avid fisherman, green thumb gardener and martini connoisseur. He loved to travel with Jean and their children, especially during the three years he was stationed in England. He was devoted to his children and grandchildren and his positive impact as a role model for his progeny is self-evident.

Survivors include:

son Stephen Mauney and wife Ann (Savannah, Georgia)

daughter Valerie Vincent and husband Bill (Gulf Breeze, Florida)

grandson Matthew Mauney and wife Jennifer (Houston, Texas)

granddaughter Megan Smith and husband Steven (Jacksonville, Florida)

granddaughter Elizabeth Odum (Savannah, Georgia)

granddaughter Rebecca Stillo and husband Michael (Boston, Massachusetts)

In recent years, Tom was once again blessed when he found his new best friend and partner Doris Hernandez. They spent many hours enjoying a chilled martini while surveying the gulf shoreline before heading out to listen and dance to their favorite beach band.

On Friday, July 10, CDR Mauney will be inurned with military honors at Barrancas National Cemetery at Naval Air Station Pensacola.* Those who wish to remember Tom in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, www.nmcrs.org.

*Due to coronavirus restrictions currently in place, attendance is unfortunately limited to immediate family.