Thomas Musser

RURAL RETREAT, VIRGINIA: THOMAS EDWARD MUSSER (Mr. Strong) passed into heaven Wednesday October 6, 2010 at 2:38 p.m. at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. He was held by his parents and surrounded by the loving staff at the hospital. Thomas was born August 8, 2001 and at the age of 3 ½ was diagnosed with leukemia. He fought hard and never complained. He enjoyed life to the fullest and was a testament to us all about hope, love and joy. He loved his family and friends. He loved school when he could attend. He loved baseball. He always said without a doubt in the world he was going to play for the Pittsburg Pirates when he grew up. He loved swimming and playing with his dogs. He loved playing with his brothers; they were his life-line. His spirit and courage touched the lives of everyone he knew. His smile and wonderful hugs warmed the hearts of all of all he touched. His absence leaves a vast hole in our hearts. To summarize his life with words would be impossible. The closest words that come to mind are Trust. He trusted his God, his family and the doctors. And Love, a pure love for family, friends and life that sickness could not break, pain could not shake and death cannot take away. In the midst of our sorrow we take comfort in the words of King David at the death of his son, that we will go to him one day. Thomas is survived by his parents, Ed and Lisa Musser and his brothers Matthew and Andrew all of Rural Retreat; his grandparents Rector and Linda Currin of Sugar Grove, VA and Mike and Carol Musser of Rural Retreat; his Aunt Robin Musser of Abingdon, VA; Uncle Mick and Aunt Melissa Musser and cousins Garret, Abby and Ben all of Rural Retreat; Uncle John and Aunt Nancy Currin and cousins Brian and Katie all of Blacksburg, VA. Over the years of his treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, we grew close to many people we consider our family. The staff at the hospital cared for him as if he were their own. Thomas and our family have a special love for them all including Ching-Hon Pui, MD his primary leukemia doctor and Wing H. Leung, MD his bone marrow transplant doctor. In addition we grew to adore and love many of the nurse practitioners, physicians' assistants, nurses and staff. There are too many to list. We are thankful for the many additional years they gave us with Thomas. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, October 10, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at Cedar Bluff Baptist Church, Atkins, Virginia with Reverend Eddie Beck officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion, Virginia. Instead of flowers donations can be made in Thomas' honor at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or you can consider becoming a partner in Hope for the hospital. Both can be made on the hospital's website at http://www.stjude.org or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service is serving Thomas' Family.