STAFFORD, Va. — Thomas Wayne Clement, born in November of 1947 in Brockton, Mass., was the son of Carl and Frances (Jones) Clement. Tom grew up in Camden, where he busied himself with school, baseball and the numerous jobs he did around the community.

He was a graduate of Camden High School, Class of 1966, where he loved and excelled in baseball. He was offered the opportunity to try out as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, but was called to serve in the Vietnam War.

In November of 1966, Tom joined the U. S. Navy. Upon completion of basic training and his specialty training as an engineer, he entered the war zone in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. He was an engineer on the Mobile Riverine Force River Assault Squad 15. He diligently served his comrades even though he was wounded himself. Tom was awarded the Bronze Star with a Combat V for Valor, and was also a two-time Purple Heart recipient. He continued his life of service in the U. S. Navy, serving in Europe and Asia, retiring after serving his country for 30 years.

In his retirement years, Tom continued to live a life of service, working as an associate pastor after receiving the call from God. At that time, he decided to enter theological seminary. Never doing things lightly, he continued in his education until he received his Doctorate in Theological Studies. At this time, he began his own venture in service and founded Liberty Baptist Church in Stafford, Va.

Tom was called home by his Lord on Aug. 22, 2014, after living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ALS, most commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, for eight years. He championed the cause, and stayed a light to the ALS community, his physicians and the numerous health care workers who were inspired by him. Tom always thought of others, even though others worked to help serve him. Tom leaves a long legacy of service behind, having preached his last sermon at Liberty Baptist Church on Aug. 17, 2014.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Hye Kyong Clement; his son, Keith Clement and his wife, Vanessa; his daughters, Collin Burkott and her husband, Lt. Col. Michael Burkott, and Calista Jones and her husband, Sidney; his brothers, Phil Clement and Bill Clement and his wife, Julie; his sisters, Sybil Wentworth and her husband, Jody, and Shirley Shannon and her husband, Walter; six grandchildren, Anthony Clement and his wife, Kimberlee, Justin Burkott, Dakota Whitson, Bella Clement, Thomas Burkott and Sophia Clement; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Frances Clement; and a son-in-law, Bryan Whitson Jr.

Calling hours will be held Friday, Aug. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Covenant Funeral Service, Stafford Chapel in Stafford, Va. A funeral service will be held Saturday, Aug. 30 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be made to Liberty Baptist Church, 655 Courthouse Rd., Stafford, VA 22554 or to the ALS Association, 1275 K Street NW #250, Washington, DC 20005.