Thomas Andrew Staley, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend of many, passed away on April 26, 2022. Born in Macon, GA, September 28, 1924, to James Hosmer and Edna Merritt (Booley) Staley. Tom’s family moved from Macon, Ga to Oviedo, FL in 1937. He graduated from Oviedo High School in 1943 and enlisted in the Navy. After boot camp and sonar school he was assigned to the USS Stern DE187. He participated in the amphibious landings at Leyte, Luzon, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He was proud of the fact that he witnessed the raising of the first flag on Iwo Jima. After his Navy service he became Production Manager of Zellwin Farms Company in Zellwood, Fl and retired after 34 years in 1988. He then ran and was elected as Orange County Commissioner and retired after eight years of service representing Northwest Orange County.
He is survived by his wife, Norma Lou Norton Staley, son Marcus Andrew Staley (Nancy), daughter in law Linda Staley. Five grandchildren, Ben Staley, Tim Staley, Marc Staley, Tammy Cuthrell and Taylor Wise and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by three stepchildren, Wayne Norton, Catherine Plunkett and Susan Norton (Tiffany Daniels) and five step grandchildren and three step great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Martha Carraway Staley, his son James (Mac) Staley, daughter Celeste Staley and two great grandchildren.
Viewing and services will be held at Zellwood United Methodist Church, Saturday, April 30, 2022. Viewing starting at 10:30AM, service at 11:00AM. Please stay and join the family for fellowship and lunch, catered by Sonny’s BBQ.
A formal military funeral is scheduled for Monday, May 2, 2022, at 10:00AM, at Highland Memory Gardens, Apopka, FL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tommy’s memory to Zellwood United Methodist Church or Advent Health Hospice.
https://www.adventhealth.com/foundation/adventhealth-foundation-central-florida/donate-hospice-care
Service
Visitation
Zellwood United Methodist Church
5538 W Jones Ave, Zellwood, FL 32798
April 30, 2022
10:30am - 11:00am
Funeral
Zellwood United Methodist Church
5538 W Jones Ave, Zellwood, FL 32798
April 30, 202211:00am
Food and Fellowship
Zellwood United Methodist Church
5538 W Jones Ave, Zellwood, FL 32798
April 30, 202212:00pm
Graveside
Highland Memory Gardens
3329 East Semoran Boulevard, Apopka, Florida 32703
May 2, 202210:00am
This heritage started 67 years ago with Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, who founded the First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1934. In 1938 Francis E. Loomis, son of Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, received his license to practice Mortuary Science and in 1941 established Loomis Funeral Home of Winter Garden, FL. 
420 W Main St
Apopka, FL 32712-3452
Tom Stutzman says
We have beed Friends with the Staley family for 56 years Tom Staley was a good example of a Godly man who lived his life always trying to do the right thing. We love every member of his Family. We pray that God will cover the Staley Family with his love and will give each one of them the strength to carry on with life.
Tom & Harriet Stutzman
Melanie King (formerly of Apopka, FL) says
I try to keep up with people & their lives at home as frequently look at Loomis website. Very sorry for your loss. Remembering lived near you when I lived on Tanglewilde or saw you in Bealls or Facebook, Norma. So sorry for your loss, sending my hugs and prayers now and in the days ahead.
Tom Dorman says
Knew Tommy many years, he an Martha moved to Apopka when he was with Zellwin Farms. Years later, after education, I called on Tommy at Zellwin Farms, as I sold fertilizers and pesticides, and Zellwin Farms used these products. Also Tommy followed me on the Orange County Commission. We also played gold a few times, over the years. Will miss seeing him.