Thomas Gray Harris

Thomas passed away on November 24, 2023, while serving with the International Legion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Thomas was born to a troubled family on November 18, 1990, in Apple Valley, California and spent much of his first years in foster care. Joining his ‘forever family’ during October 1992, Thomas was adopted by Suzanne and Major Richard Harris, U.S. Marine Corps then stationed at Twentynine Palms, California.

Thus began a journey of growing and learning in Newport, Rhode Island; Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Washington DC. Along the way he became a certified sailor; slid down the passageways of a diving nuclear attack submarine; became a passionate boogie boarder; learned the jazz trumpet; marched in a Mardi Gras parade; achieved a black belt in Taekwondo; attended NASA’s Aviation Camp hoping to be a pilot one day; parachuted from an airplane; excelled in golf; achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was inducted into the Boy Scouts of America’s Order of the Arrow.

Thomas graduated from McLean High School, McLean, Virginia in 2009 where he lettered all four years with the Highlander Golf Team and was one of two team members who qualified for the Liberty District competition his Senior Year.

Immediately after graduating from High School, Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. After completing Recruiting Training at Parris Island, South Carolina, and graduating from the U.S. Marine Corps School of Infantry as an 0311 Infantryman, Thomas joined 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and deployed to the Marjah District of Afghanistan in 2010 where he conducted security operations against the Taliban.

After the Marine Corps, Thomas enrolled in the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa for two years while working toward a nursing degree. Thomas then transferred to Columbia University in New York City where he pursued an undergraduate pre-medical school curriculum focused on neuroscience. He also completed a three-month medical internship in Ghana where he provided medical care and assistance including personally delivering a newborn baby. Thomas excelled in the sciences at Columbia, was recognized on the Dean’s List for excellence in academics and graduated in October 2021.

While preparing for his next adventure, Thomas embarked on a hike of the Florida Trail and spent time exploring Mexico. Returning to New York City, he became the top graduate of a challenging Emergency Medical Technician certification course.

During August 2023, Thomas travelled to Ukraine where he joined a tight-knit, and highly skilled team in Ukraine’s International Legion. He fought bravely for freedom and democracy before his untimely death.

In all his endeavors, Thomas took the initiative to become a leader and mentor. At a young age, Thomas became an assistant Taekwondo instructor in his martial arts school; he taught golf to young people at the Army Navy Country Club; he sought out multiple leadership positions in the Boy Scouts including Senior Patrol Leader; he taught first aid to his military companions and others practicing his life-long interest in medicine; he helped fellow veterans navigate through life and the Veteran’s Administration bureaucracy; and he led through his proactive life-saving actions on the battlefield.

Thomas is survived by his mother, and father, Suzanne C. and Richard B. Harris of McLean, Virginia.

Thomas loved learning. He was a proud Marine. His greatest desire was to experience life to its full measure. Thomas was a steadfast warrior, defender, and friend to all who knew him. He will be missed.

A visitation will be held Thursday, January 18th at Murphy Funeral Home in Arlington from 4PM - 7PM. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, January 19th at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church in McLean, starting at 11 AM. A reception will follow at the Knights of Columbus Club in Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to one or more of the following Charities:

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption; Forever Families for Children in Foster Care

Donors empower the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption’s work to raise awareness about the urgent need for foster care adoption, advocate for adoption benefits in the workplace and support the expansion of our Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® program. Through this program, the Foundation has found permanent homes for more than 13,000 children. Every gift will make a difference in the life of a child waiting to be adopted. With your support, we can continue to offer hope to these young people when they need it most.

Semper K9 Assistance Dogs

Semper K9’s Mission is Rescuing Dogs and Veterans. Combat veteran founded and operated, Semper K9’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for wounded members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families by providing them custom-trained service dogs. Using rescued and donated dogs Semper K9 provides service dogs for psychiatric alert and mobility challenges free of charge to disabled veterans. Located in Quantico, Virginia.